If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Shadow: Intrigued by Staryu's sudden psychic powers, and with the starfish incapacitated as it were, you opt to pick on its apparent psychic strength as Mastermind complies with its orders, its lower body spinning at a surprising rate to generate a wind which it laces with silver particles of bug energy, the breeze slamming into the starshape pokemon as it waters its opposing dandelion plant with a gun in befuddlement. The strike, however, doesn't seem to improve the Porygon's abilities any, and upon the assault the Staryu turns around and launches a barrage of swift at Mastermind, the virtual duck's body being pelted with the assault as he fires another silver wind its way, the bolstered strike sending the starfish onto its back as you watch, considering its defeat, just before it rises once more, wobbly on its feet as Mastermind opts to finish it off by unleashing his own swift. As the stars fly towards it, Staryu makes a final effort to survive by blasting a water gun at the projectiles, but the torrential number of the objects is simply too much as Staryu's gem stops glowing and the fish simply plops over. Level up for Mastermind.

The battle over, you take the time to look around and notice in the shack Jason watching with bemusement at your tactical prowess, before heading back inside, likely to sort paperwork out or something. Turning back towards the triumphant duck, your hand hovering over the supplied Lure Ball, it seems you have but one option left: To capture the Staryul, or not to capture the Staryu?

-=-=-=-

Ampere Beach: The Ruby Chatot.

Rakurai: Diam's stunned expression at his turnaround of luck, and Hugh's preparation for resistance against Kiba, Mirror and Flandre, your confidence waning reversed with allies, you decide to be conservative with the Charmander, the female vocally protesting yet accepting the point of staying back, you give orders for Kiba to finish Hugh off, to which the canine barks vigorously at. Using his naturally high speed, Kiba charges several hundred volts of electricity as Hugh makes a move for Mirror, the Ludicolo's hand pulsing with cryogenic energy as Flandre takes a breath, before spitting a stream of embers at the Machoke's feet, the superpower pokemon hopping suddenly as he is smacked in the face with the ice punch Mirror prepared, the Carefree pokemon not living up to its name in the least considering the situation, and as Hugh staggers, his view turns to Kiba, releasing the beam of electricity and adding to the elemental barrage, the Machoke roaring in pain before finally realising that he's not going to come out on top, keeling over like a tree onto the deck. Level up for Flandre.

"SQUARK! SQUARK! HUGH!" Diam screeches as he realises just what the situation is as a heavy thump behind him of Drake's powerhouse pokemon, one Salamence, reminds you of the other battle as you survey the Ruby Chatot's deck to see the Elite Four member and his dragons tying up the defeated pirates, the groggy curs swearing in defeat. Turning, Diam simply glares daggers at the dragon before looking back to address you, his furious face suddenly turning to one of utter fear as he realises what is behind him, much to your amusement as the dragon roars, causing Diam to topple from his perch to the deck, in front of your faces, shock paralyzing him as Kiba growls menacingly. The parrot was responsible for ruining your visit here, and being at your mercy, it seems all is lost for him.

"Hugh, at arms, ye knucklehead!"

To your surprise, Diam suddenly pops in a cloud of smoke as you realise that it was a substitute! Searching for the source, you gaze up at the masts to notice up in the crow's nest, Hook, with the captain himself perched on the shoulder, both beings less than amused as the peg-legged human procures a blue and red ball. Looking back at Hugh, you notice that against all odds, the Machoke stands once more, though in major pain as Kiba starts charging for an attack, until a familiar voice from behind grabs your attention as the one-armed ranger emerges, his styler primed and aimed at the Machoke.

A few seconds later, Hugh's attempt to stop Andrew's styler from capturing him is unsuccessful as the coastguard catches the top-shaped machine before giving a hard look up at Diam, whose stony expression suddenly gives way to a devious smirk. Looking at the right-hand man's left hand, you notice a small device, while in his right hand is what seems to be a radio transmitter, as Andrew frowns.

"Black market stylers...I should've known."

"Ye're not as dumb as ye look, sailor, I'll give ye that. This plan took me the thinking of a lifetime, but shiver me timbers, it's worked a treat. That bilge rat Hugh was simply the test subject o' me styler, designed with jewels enchanted by what legends say was the beast of the seas, Kyogre." Diam continues as his human fidgets with the device delicately balanced in his hook-hand. "Said device be a modified styler to control pokemon much like yer classic pokeballs, and e'er since we saw Hugh's work back when he were a Machop, we thought we's might as well run 'im for a test."

"In other words," Andrew interjects as you listen to the charade with some confusion as Drake joins you with Flygon and Altaria, "it's a sort of handheld Gigaremo I've heard about from my pal in Almia. Clever, Diam. Very clever. But since Katsu here clobbered Hugh and I captured him, your little test's over, you're surrounded, and you've pissed me off. Surrender now, and we'll see if we can waive execution."

Watching the situation, you question the other device as Hugh stares around in confusion, the handheld anti-styler possibly keeping his mind enslaved since his Machop years, just as Kiba's sensitive ears pick up some word as he barks nervously.

"What was that?"

"Andrew...are ye really such a fool t' think I'd throw in the towel without me having a backup plan?" Diam crows back before nodding to his pirate ally, the man pressing a button on the radio as the ship intercom system burst to life, playing a badly-butchered rendition of 'Drunken Sailor' as a large Mantine suddenly appears from the Great Ball as the bird and pirate hop aboard, Drake immediately pointing his Salamence to stop them.

"This ship be an old rig, that it be, and whatever treasures it holds will surely be a thrill for fellow divers in years to come. That goes the same for ye, meddling kid! By the end o' the song, ye'll know exactly why! FAREWELL! AWK!"

As the Mantine makes a dive for the waters, a burst of wind from the dragon's wings sends the manta pokemon in a reel as Diam gives a screech of horror as his hard-worked device lands in the drink, immediately bursting in a watery pop just as your ears perk to the end of the intercom song, all jubilant victory drained from all on board as the unmistakable sound of Diam's voice on the intercom plays.

"Ten minutes until the bombs go boom, yo ho ho!"

As you gaze around the ship, Andrew gives a classic case of Sailor Talk as he kicks the ground in irritation, your realisation that the bombs could be anywhere on the ship, and while it would be easy for you to escape, there is still the matter of the welfare of Andrew and his pokemon...

[i]The pokemon in the hold.[/b] The thought of abandoning them to their fate, and the risk to your life by searching for the bombs leaves an agonising choice as Drake climbs on board his Flygon, gazing in your direction as though questioning your choice of action: Stay and risk your life to save the pokemon, or escape, but doom the captives to a watery grave...

-=-=-=-

Blitz River: Falcon Bluff.

Firewater: Your obligations considering the safety of the girl, as well as the potential lining of your pockets makes your decision clear as you give your identity to Martin, the bounty hunter nodding as he looks at the key, scanning it with his device. Unusually, the device clicks much slower, registering around fifteen clicks in ten seconds as you stare at the machine.

"Geiger tube, measures the radioactivity of objects. Pretty expensive pieces of gear these, they're used often in labs but work well in detecting land mines and other hazards as well, due to the materials used in thei construction."

Pocketing the key and replacing the geiger tube, Martin heads past the dead Beedrill as you follow suit, entering the deeper parts of the woods. The odd tweet of bird pokemon, is replaced with stark silence, only your footsteps and the hum of Spike's wings your audial allies in these situations, and after a while you find yourself at a rather large tree, one which stands out from others in that its bark, instead of being a crusty brown, is a smooth white, as if it was the tree of Death Himself. Pointing up it, Martin nods to his Ninjask before the bug zips up the tree to its crest before coming down again as fast as he went up, giving a shake of his head. Removing the tube once more and scanning the tree, the rapid clicking of the tube causes the man to remove and stub his cigar on the tree, leaving a black mark as you notice the several knot holes the dead tree possesses.

"This tree seems to be part of his scheme, as it's packing surprisingly high levels of radiation compared to most trees..." Martin mumbles before rustling behind you causes both of you to turn to face the pair of Spinarak that scuttle around, just before stopping and heading round an odd patch of ground you never noticed before. Upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a sturdy trapdoor!

"Not very often you find these here...but there's no sign of any keyholes on the door, and it seems too heavy to smash...we could have a problem here."

Looking at the door, and towards the tree, it seems a bit of searching could be in order, but with the dead tree, the trapdoor, the bushes and the other trees to check, where would you best start?

Shadow: Intrigued by Staryu's sudden psychic powers, and with the starfish incapacitated as it were, you opt to pick on its apparent psychic strength as Mastermind complies with its orders, its lower body spinning at a surprising rate to generate a wind which it laces with silver particles of bug energy, the breeze slamming into the starshape pokemon as it waters its opposing dandelion plant with a gun in befuddlement. The strike, however, doesn't seem to improve the Porygon's abilities any, and upon the assault the Staryu turns around and launches a barrage of swift at Mastermind, the virtual duck's body being pelted with the assault as he fires another silver wind its way, the bolstered strike sending the starfish onto its back as you watch, considering its defeat, just before it rises once more, wobbly on its feet as Mastermind opts to finish it off by unleashing his own swift. As the stars fly towards it, Staryu makes a final effort to survive by blasting a water gun at the projectiles, but the torrential number of the objects is simply too much as Staryu's gem stops glowing and the fish simply plops over. Level up for Mastermind.

The battle over, you take the time to look around and notice in the shack Jason watching with bemusement at your tactical prowess, before heading back inside, likely to sort paperwork out or something. Turning back towards the triumphant duck, your hand hovering over the supplied Lure Ball, it seems you have but one option left: To capture the Staryul, or not to capture the Staryu?

A ringing sound, similar to digital alerts emitted by computers when displaying messages of confirmation or accomplishment, issued from Mastermind's audio port as the living program performed a victorious somersault. No words seemed necessary, as the self-proclaimed omniscient Pokemon knew that orders had been carried out at optimal levels; achievement seemed but a matter of course.

Fingers gripped on the aqua hemisphere of the Lure Ball, Shadow looked over at the defeated Staryu -- in spite of its farm origin, the Water-type had proved itself to be a most notable specimen, to the extent of boasting usage of latent powers already. Could the reason also lie in how skilfully Jason and Alberto had bred their pride and joy? The scientist made a note to thank and compliment the two when the capture was confirmed, but for now he had names to decide...

"Numbuh 300DPI. Your name... is Hardcore," he muttered, flinging the fishing-affliated orb at its target.

Shadow: Making a mental note to thank Jason and Alberto for the opportunity, you throw the Lure Ball at the defeated Staryu, which naturally makes little resistance to the sphere as it is sucked into the orb and a few small shakes before the glow of the ball's button fading and a chime emerging signalfies a mission accomplished in regards to your trip. Congratulations, you've caught a level 06 Genderless Staryu!

Checking your dex, you are somewhat disheartened to note that it known only the basic moves a Staryu of its level would possess, with the hypothesis that it may have called upon latent powers simply because of the position of its foe as Mastermind rejoins you, beaming at the capture before making a sudden jerk of the head skywards as what seems to be a small package parachutes from the sky from nowhere in particular, and upon closer inspection you note the number thirty-seven etched onto the small card sheet attached. Opening the bag, you find a pouch of soft red sand recognised as stardust, as well as a vial of mystic water attached to a small scroll. Intrigue foremost, you open and read the contents of said message aloud for Mastermind to hear.

'Co-ordinate locations indicate temple entrance located in central wastes. Will dispatch from southern plains for the temple. Information sources poor, but potential link between temple and pharos liable to interpretation. CCCLXXXVII.

Wondering the cryptic message behind this, your only ascertation is that your KND ally had sent it, noted by the numerals at the end of the message, and as you keep said message in your head, holding the occupied Lure Ball, you imagine that there could be other areas of the peninsula not on the tourist guides...could there?

"Nice capture, Shadow."

Alberto's voice detracts you from your thoughts as you turn to the owner of the bay, the trainer battling the Krabby as successful in their endeavour as the crab scuttles rings around their feet, and as the sun glows brightly, you can only question where your next adventures will take you.

Upon replying to this update, you are free to leave LP or head to a different area if you wish, it has been pleasurable updating you. And with that, your adventure here ends, with you having the aforementioned Stardust and Mystic Water to collect.

[i]Firewater: Your obligations considering the safety of the girl, as well as the potential lining of your pockets makes your decision clear as you give your identity to Martin, the bounty hunter nodding as he looks at the key, scanning it with his device. Unusually, the device clicks much slower, registering around fifteen clicks in ten seconds as you stare at the machine.

"Geiger tube, measures the radioactivity of objects. Pretty expensive pieces of gear these, they're used often in labs but work well in detecting land mines and other hazards as well, due to the materials used in thei construction."

Pocketing the key and replacing the geiger tube, Martin heads past the dead Beedrill as you follow suit, entering the deeper parts of the woods. The odd tweet of bird pokemon, is replaced with stark silence, only your footsteps and the hum of Spike's wings your audial allies in these situations, and after a while you find yourself at a rather large tree, one which stands out from others in that its bark, instead of being a crusty brown, is a smooth white, as if it was the tree of Death Himself. Pointing up it, Martin nods to his Ninjask before the bug zips up the tree to its crest before coming down again as fast as he went up, giving a shake of his head. Removing the tube once more and scanning the tree, the rapid clicking of the tube causes the man to remove and stub his cigar on the tree, leaving a black mark as you notice the several knot holes the dead tree possesses.

"This tree seems to be part of his scheme, as it's packing surprisingly high levels of radiation compared to most trees..." Martin mumbles before rustling behind you causes both of you to turn to face the pair of Spinarak that scuttle around, just before stopping and heading round an odd patch of ground you never noticed before. Upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a sturdy trapdoor!

"Not very often you find these here...but there's no sign of any keyholes on the door, and it seems too heavy to smash...we could have a problem here."

Looking at the door, and towards the tree, it seems a bit of searching could be in order, but with the dead tree, the trapdoor, the bushes and the other trees to check, where would you best start?

Seeing that Martin had no problems with him traveling along, David Michael continues to stare at the strange device, knowing that it detected radiation, and grew concerned that even the key that they had found was glowing per say with radiation.

"Geiger tube, measures the radioactivity of objects. Pretty expensive pieces of gear these, they're used often in labs but work well in detecting land mines and other hazards as well, due to the materials used in thei construction."

Regardless of the answer, David Michael was glad that the definition seemed to lessen the danger, and with that he prepares to continue onwards, following Martin as they traveled deeper and deeper into the forest, the dead Beedrill long gone as the group travels near silently, the only sounds heard being the flapping of wings, and the footsteps on the humans, with not even bird calls heard within the area. The travels cease as a tree is spotted. unlike natural trees that were brown, or dark colored, this tree appeared to be a tree of death, as its stark white appearance seemed to impose. Regardless, Martin has sent Spike into the tree, and before David Michael could notice, Spike had returned, shaking his head as his trainer continued to talk.

"This tree seems to be part of his scheme, as it's packing surprisingly high levels of radiation compared to most trees..."

Martin says somewhat confidently. However, everything seemed to be stuck, before a few Spinerak had shown up, and strangely avoided a spot in the grass. Further investigation found the patch to be a trap-door, however, Martin evaluates the door far quicker than David Michael could, and simply makes a quick comment.

"Not very often you find these here...but there's no sign of any keyholes on the door, and it seems too heavy to smash...we could have a problem here."

Looking at the area, it seems that things weren't the best of plans, but there was always someway to get to where it was needed to go. Plopping open Machop's pokeball again, David Michael simply gives a few orders to Machop.

"Hey Machop, can you start digging around that Trapdoor over there, to try and loosen the dirt up some?"

As Machop readies himself, David Michael turns to Martin and gives a comment.

"Hey Martin, if the door has no keyholes or apparent hinges, perhaps it could be possible to dig around it to whatever's underneath it. At any rate, it would be good for Spike and Dart to look around in the trees, to make sure that we didn't miss anything, or if anything doesn't like us, we know where it is. However, if my plan's right- it could be benificial if you have any other pokemon that could dig or something under ground."

Waiting for Martin's response, David Michael simply motions to Dart to survey the trees around the area, hoping that something would change...

Shadow: Making a mental note to thank Jason and Alberto for the opportunity, you throw the Lure Ball at the defeated Staryu, which naturally makes little resistance to the sphere as it is sucked into the orb and a few small shakes before the glow of the ball's button fading and a chime emerging signalfies a mission accomplished in regards to your trip. Congratulations, you've caught a level 06 Genderless Staryu!

Checking your dex, you are somewhat disheartened to note that it known only the basic moves a Staryu of its level would possess, with the hypothesis that it may have called upon latent powers simply because of the position of its foe as Mastermind rejoins you, beaming at the capture before making a sudden jerk of the head skywards as what seems to be a small package parachutes from the sky from nowhere in particular, and upon closer inspection you note the number thirty-seven etched onto the small card sheet attached. Opening the bag, you find a pouch of soft red sand recognised as stardust, as well as a vial of mystic water attached to a small scroll. Intrigue foremost, you open and read the contents of said message aloud for Mastermind to hear.

'Co-ordinate locations indicate temple entrance located in central wastes. Will dispatch from southern plains for the temple. Information sources poor, but potential link between temple and pharos liable to interpretation. CCCLXXXVII.

Wondering the cryptic message behind this, your only ascertation is that your KND ally had sent it, noted by the numerals at the end of the message, and as you keep said message in your head, holding the occupied Lure Ball, you imagine that there could be other areas of the peninsula not on the tourist guides...could there?

"Nice capture, Shadow."

Alberto's voice detracts you from your thoughts as you turn to the owner of the bay, the trainer battling the Krabby as successful in their endeavour as the crab scuttles rings around their feet, and as the sun glows brightly, you can only question where your next adventures will take you.

Upon replying to this update, you are free to leave LP or head to a different area if you wish, it has been pleasurable updating you. And with that, your adventure here ends, with you having the aforementioned Stardust and Mystic Water to collect.

Briefly assessing his current status, Shadow made a few notes as Hardcore's Lure Ball vanished into a stream of data, transferred to the depths of Sector Shadow's operative repository. While it seemed capture had reset the Staryu's abilities, a final reminder from Numbuh 387 had him thinking. Little information could be retrieved from his cryptic message, but considering that the agent's team no longer truly had a place to call their base, it made sense that he would be on a search for a new outpost. Much as correspondence with other Kids Next Door would be most preferable, Shadow knew deep down he could not risk the operative's safety; he had already closed a proverbial eye in aiding the one scheduled for decommissioning. Perhaps, one day in some hopefully not-so-distant future he would return, but for now he would have to let the winds of fate take him elsewhere...

OOC: Thanks muchly, fishy. I've mentioned it before in the Time Out, I reckon, but once again I must give many props for the Kids Next Door cameos, and the successful accomplishment of Shadow's mission of a Staryu hunt. While I'm here I'll have Hardcore hold onto that Mystic Water, too.
*end transmission*

As one can see, the zone has had a major revamp to be up to notch with the other zones round the place. This won't affect current adventures, however, so these may continue as they are.

Blitz River: Falcon Bluff.

firewater: Considering the trapdoor, you decide to try and find a way around the obstacle, opting Machop to dig around a bit for another way in while Dart flits around the trees, keeping a careful lookout for anything suspicious as you give your thoughts on the situation to Martin. Furrowing his brow, the hunter seems to think for a minute before shrugging, following a blank as you sigh. The next couple of minutes follows some scraping as Machop digs around the trapdoor, the contraption becoming visible to the ground as you realise it is an unusual metal one, unlike most doors, and as you think, a squawk from the Staraptor grabs your attention. Though his eyesight isn't as keen as it was back in his Starly days, his hawk eyes nevertheless stare at one of the knotholes in the dead tree as Martin gives it an examination, his frown flipping upon closer inspection.

"Clever...very clever...seems this tree's hiding a little keyhole in one of the knots. If I knew better, this key should fit into it..."

As you hear the faint click of the key in the disguised lock, a faint whirring sound grabs your attention as two of the thicker branches higher up in the tree suddenly detach from the top and fall to the floor. Within a few seconds you and Martin are surprised to find the branches have somehow changed shape and have shown themselves as robotic spiders, their small feet like blades and a small nozzle on them as they fire off a synthetic string shot that knocks Martin down, his legs tangled in the stuff. Turning their attention to you, it seems that whoever made this tree like that obviously had planned for intruders as the flimsy-looking robots skitter towards you, their single-minded task of eliminating any intruders impeding you as you note their seeming frailty...

As one can see, the zone has had a major revamp to be up to notch with the other zones round the place. This won't affect current adventures, however, so these may continue as they are.

Blitz River: Falcon Bluff.

firewater: Considering the trapdoor, you decide to try and find a way around the obstacle, opting Machop to dig around a bit for another way in while Dart flits around the trees, keeping a careful lookout for anything suspicious as you give your thoughts on the situation to Martin. Furrowing his brow, the hunter seems to think for a minute before shrugging, following a blank as you sigh. The next couple of minutes follows some scraping as Machop digs around the trapdoor, the contraption becoming visible to the ground as you realise it is an unusual metal one, unlike most doors, and as you think, a squawk from the Staraptor grabs your attention. Though his eyesight isn't as keen as it was back in his Starly days, his hawk eyes nevertheless stare at one of the knotholes in the dead tree as Martin gives it an examination, his frown flipping upon closer inspection.

"Clever...very clever...seems this tree's hiding a little keyhole in one of the knots. If I knew better, this key should fit into it..."

As you hear the faint click of the key in the disguised lock, a faint whirring sound grabs your attention as two of the thicker branches higher up in the tree suddenly detach from the top and fall to the floor. Within a few seconds you and Martin are surprised to find the branches have somehow changed shape and have shown themselves as robotic spiders, their small feet like blades and a small nozzle on them as they fire off a synthetic string shot that knocks Martin down, his legs tangled in the stuff. Turning their attention to you, it seems that whoever made this tree like that obviously had planned for intruders as the flimsy-looking robots skitter towards you, their single-minded task of eliminating any intruders impeding you as you note their seeming frailty...

What will you do?

The plan worked well, as after a few minutes of Digging, Machop had explosed the machinery around the door and the fact that it was simply a steel door. It looked far different from other doors, but there was nothing else to be found. Meanwhile, Dart had found something, and while it seemed that his discovery was something positive, as Martin inspects the small hole before commenting.

"Clever...very clever...seems this tree's hiding a little keyhole in one of the knots. If I knew better, this key should fit into it..."

And with that, he pushes the key into the lock, and with a "Click" everything seems to change for a minute, as suddenly two branches fall from the tree, and form into minature spiders, which would be funny if they didn't have apparent blades on their feet, a nozzle of some sort on their "face", and Martin hadn't already gotten wrapped up by a String Shot. Regardless, David Michael gives some orders.

"Alright then, another time, another fight. Machop, need you to be kind of careful, but go on in there and try to smash one of them with a Brick Break, then Rock Smash it. Meanwhile, Dart, simply a Tri Attack, then Razor Wind on the other will suffice. They look easy to break, but be careful..." Looking for something to cut Martin free, David Michael quickly waits to see what would happen next...

Firewater: With Martin currently disabled, and a pair of spider mechs scuttling your way with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, you opt Machop and Dart to battle them. As Dart whirls round to his foe, one of the mechs spits another string shot at the Staraptor, weighing down his wings somewhat as he drops to the ground, but finished charging his attack as a trio of beams blast from his open beak into the machine, the elemental affinity of electric causing the spider to short-circuit and explode in a small blast, rendering the string around Dart to fade into nothingness strangely. Back with Machop, his robot simply rushes him, one leg outstretched like a spear as the fighter dodges the lunge and smacks it in the face, breaking it like a brick as the robot simply smashes into several pieces, the string holding Martin fading as Spike comes down, slamming another two robots into the ground with both stingers, the Ninjask shaking itself off from the attack.

"Didn't expect that..." Martin groans before a soft beep gets your attention, the trapdoor's locking mechanism shutting off as he pulls on the plated door, the door hiding what seems to be a small control panel of some sort. Pressing a button on it, a screen inside suddenly comes to life, with a picture of a Voltorb, Magnemite, Electrike, Pikachu and Shinx depicted on the top, as well as five smaller symbols relating to said pokemon below. Examining the panel, you notice five buttons below said screen, with the pokemon noted on the screen in the same order. As you question the device, a spark on the screen lights up, before words form below each pokemon in turn. Reading each one aloud, Martin scratches his head.

"Voltorb says that Shinx follows him more than what's needed. Magnemite states it never listens to Voltorb's orders. Electrike says all other pokemon follow his orders. Pikachu states his orders aren't as important as Magnemite's, while Shinx implies that Pikachu's orders are the general basis of Voltorb's commands. From what it says here, we'll have to put them in order of highest rank of order. Personally, I'm stumped."

Examining the panels, you're not sure what would happen if you got them wrong, as it becomes clear that whoever Martin is dealing with has a penchant for technology and puzzles, but can you solve this one?

Rakurai: Diam's stunned expression at his turnaround of luck, and Hugh's preparation for resistance against Kiba, Mirror and Flandre, your confidence waning reversed with allies, you decide to be conservative with the Charmander, the female vocally protesting yet accepting the point of staying back, you give orders for Kiba to finish Hugh off, to which the canine barks vigorously at. Using his naturally high speed, Kiba charges several hundred volts of electricity as Hugh makes a move for Mirror, the Ludicolo's hand pulsing with cryogenic energy as Flandre takes a breath, before spitting a stream of embers at the Machoke's feet, the superpower pokemon hopping suddenly as he is smacked in the face with the ice punch Mirror prepared, the Carefree pokemon not living up to its name in the least considering the situation, and as Hugh staggers, his view turns to Kiba, releasing the beam of electricity and adding to the elemental barrage, the Machoke roaring in pain before finally realising that he's not going to come out on top, keeling over like a tree onto the deck. Level up for Flandre.

"SQUARK! SQUARK! HUGH!" Diam screeches as he realises just what the situation is as a heavy thump behind him of Drake's powerhouse pokemon, one Salamence, reminds you of the other battle as you survey the Ruby Chatot's deck to see the Elite Four member and his dragons tying up the defeated pirates, the groggy curs swearing in defeat. Turning, Diam simply glares daggers at the dragon before looking back to address you, his furious face suddenly turning to one of utter fear as he realises what is behind him, much to your amusement as the dragon roars, causing Diam to topple from his perch to the deck, in front of your faces, shock paralyzing him as Kiba growls menacingly. The parrot was responsible for ruining your visit here, and being at your mercy, it seems all is lost for him.

"Hugh, at arms, ye knucklehead!"

To your surprise, Diam suddenly pops in a cloud of smoke as you realise that it was a substitute! Searching for the source, you gaze up at the masts to notice up in the crow's nest, Hook, with the captain himself perched on the shoulder, both beings less than amused as the peg-legged human procures a blue and red ball. Looking back at Hugh, you notice that against all odds, the Machoke stands once more, though in major pain as Kiba starts charging for an attack, until a familiar voice from behind grabs your attention as the one-armed ranger emerges, his styler primed and aimed at the Machoke.

A few seconds later, Hugh's attempt to stop Andrew's styler from capturing him is unsuccessful as the coastguard catches the top-shaped machine before giving a hard look up at Diam, whose stony expression suddenly gives way to a devious smirk. Looking at the right-hand man's left hand, you notice a small device, while in his right hand is what seems to be a radio transmitter, as Andrew frowns.

"Black market stylers...I should've known."

"Ye're not as dumb as ye look, sailor, I'll give ye that. This plan took me the thinking of a lifetime, but shiver me timbers, it's worked a treat. That bilge rat Hugh was simply the test subject o' me styler, designed with jewels enchanted by what legends say was the beast of the seas, Kyogre." Diam continues as his human fidgets with the device delicately balanced in his hook-hand. "Said device be a modified styler to control pokemon much like yer classic pokeballs, and e'er since we saw Hugh's work back when he were a Machop, we thought we's might as well run 'im for a test."

"In other words," Andrew interjects as you listen to the charade with some confusion as Drake joins you with Flygon and Altaria, "it's a sort of handheld Gigaremo I've heard about from my pal in Almia. Clever, Diam. Very clever. But since Katsu here clobbered Hugh and I captured him, your little test's over, you're surrounded, and you've pissed me off. Surrender now, and we'll see if we can waive execution."

Watching the situation, you question the other device as Hugh stares around in confusion, the handheld anti-styler possibly keeping his mind enslaved since his Machop years, just as Kiba's sensitive ears pick up some word as he barks nervously.

"What was that?"

"Andrew...are ye really such a fool t' think I'd throw in the towel without me having a backup plan?" Diam crows back before nodding to his pirate ally, the man pressing a button on the radio as the ship intercom system burst to life, playing a badly-butchered rendition of 'Drunken Sailor' as a large Mantine suddenly appears from the Great Ball as the bird and pirate hop aboard, Drake immediately pointing his Salamence to stop them.

"This ship be an old rig, that it be, and whatever treasures it holds will surely be a thrill for fellow divers in years to come. That goes the same for ye, meddling kid! By the end o' the song, ye'll know exactly why! FAREWELL! AWK!"

As the Mantine makes a dive for the waters, a burst of wind from the dragon's wings sends the manta pokemon in a reel as Diam gives a screech of horror as his hard-worked device lands in the drink, immediately bursting in a watery pop just as your ears perk to the end of the intercom song, all jubilant victory drained from all on board as the unmistakable sound of Diam's voice on the intercom plays.

"Ten minutes until the bombs go boom, yo ho ho!"

As you gaze around the ship, Andrew gives a classic case of Sailor Talk as he kicks the ground in irritation, your realisation that the bombs could be anywhere on the ship, and while it would be easy for you to escape, there is still the matter of the welfare of Andrew and his pokemon...

[i]The pokemon in the hold.[/b] The thought of abandoning them to their fate, and the risk to your life by searching for the bombs leaves an agonising choice as Drake climbs on board his Flygon, gazing in your direction as though questioning your choice of action: Stay and risk your life to save the pokemon, or escape, but doom the captives to a watery grave...

With Hugh finally down, Flandre cheered briefly before beaming at Katsu and Kiba, who smiled back awkwardly, the two finding the Charmander's sudden change in mood a little strange, yet amusing at the same time. "She certainly is a temperamental one...", thought Katsu, as he turned back to check on Drake, who had been waging a battle of his own. It looked as though things were pretty much finished on his end, as well, for he and his Pokemon were busy restraining the defeated pirates. An exception existed for his Salamence, who was looming over the only foe still standing, which was Diam himself.

The Chatot was looking furious at the turn of events, and perhaps as a result of being distracted by his thoughts, didn't pay much heed to the dragon behind him, at least until it decided to get his attention with a roar, which sent him toppling to the deck out of shock and fear. Kiba started growl at him threateningly, and Katsu considered letting the Electrike give the captain some punishment. A light zapping was the least he deserved for the things he had done, and the fact that he was a Pokemon made the idea somehow less objectionable. Before Katsu could come to a decision, though, Diam suddenly vanished in a poof of smoke, evidently having been nothing more then a substitute.

The voice of the real Diam soon rang out from above, a demand of "Hugh, at arms, ye knucklehead!" coming from the crow's nest of the ship. There, the parrot was standing atop the shoulder of the pirate Katsu had first seen him with. "He can't be serious...", the trainer thought, frowning as turned to look back at Hugh, who surprisingly, had mustered the strength to stand up once again. In an instant, Kiba had stepped up and began to prepare an attack, while Flandre simply stared at the Machoke confusedly, unable to fathom why he'd even bother trying to put up a fight against such odds. "Just what in the world is motivating him to push himself so hard?", Katsu wondered, finding Hugh's determination to be rather unnatural. He was defying common sense for the sake of carrying out his captain's orders, and Diam hardly seemed like someone deserving of such an effort. The answer to the question came soon enough, though.

From behind him, Katsu heard a familiar voice. It was Andrew, and about as suddenly as he had appeared on the scene, he sent his capture styler whirling around Hugh, subduing the Machoke following a few seconds of feeble resistance. He then gazed up at Diam, who grinned deviously. "Black market stylers...I should've known.", remarked the ranger, who had noticed a device in the left hand of Diam's lackey. In response, the captain opted explain his plan in detail, which was hardly surprising to Katsu, considering the Chatot's cocky nature.

"Ye're not as dumb as ye look, sailor, I'll give ye that. This plan took me the thinking of a lifetime, but shiver me timbers, it's worked a treat. That bilge rat Hugh was simply the test subject o' me styler, designed with jewels enchanted by what legends say was the beast of the seas, Kyogre. Said device be a modified styler to control pokemon much like yer classic pokeballs, and e'er since we saw Hugh's work back when he were a Machop, we thought we's might as well run 'im for a test."

"Mind control... That would explain Hugh's unusual behavior.", Katsu thought as Andrew started to speak again.

"In other words, it's a sort of handheld Gigaremo I've heard about from my pal in Almia. Clever, Diam. Very clever. But since Katsu here clobbered Hugh and I captured him, your little test's over, you're surrounded, and you've pissed me off. Surrender now, and we'll see if we can waive execution."

After actually taking a look at Hugh following his capture by Andrew, Katsu knew for certain that his previous thought was true. The Machoke's disposition had changed, and he looked terribly confused, as though he hadn't been aware of anything he had been doing. The sight only fanned his desire for Diam to be brought to justice, and with Drake's dragons around, the fiend's chance of escaping seemed extremely low. Some nervous barking from Kiba was a cause of concern to him, however, as the Electrike sensed that something was up.

"Andrew...are ye really such a fool t' think I'd throw in the towel without me having a backup plan?", Diam mouthed back, as his pirate lackey pressed a button on the radio in his right hand, causing the ship's intercom to burst to life with nautical music, while at the same time releasing and boarding a Mantine. Drake was quick in sending his Salamence stop the ray and its passengers, and while Katsu felt entirely confident that the dragon would succeed in its task, Diam said something worrisome just before his transport dove towards the sea.

"This ship be an old rig, that it be, and whatever treasures it holds will surely be a thrill for fellow divers in years to come. That goes the same for ye, meddling kid! By the end o' the song, ye'll know exactly why! FAREWELL! AWK!"

"That doesn't sound good... Is he planning on sinking the ship somehow?!", Katsu pondered to himself nervously after watching Salamence send the Mantine reeling with a mighty flap of its wings. His fears were confirmed soon enough, for just after the music playing over the intercom had finished, a recording of Diam's voice made an unsettling announcement: "Ten minutes until the bombs go boom, yo ho ho!".

Cursing, Andrew kicked the ground out of frustration, while Katsu, unable to contain his frustration with Diam any longer, finally expressed some of it aloud. "That creep... He doesn't care about anyone but himself!", he yelled out, disgusted by the fact that the captain didn't seem have any qualms about blowing up not just the captive Pokemon below the deck, but his own crew, as well.

Escaping would be an easy matter, but Katsu's conscience simply wouldn't allow him to leave without making an effort to save the captive Pokemon that were likely still aboard. "We can't go yet...", he said to Drake, who had already boarded his Flygon. "Me and Kiba are going try to free as many Pokemon as we can find within the next seven minutes, and keep an eye out for the bombs while we're at it.", he continued.

Turning to his two Pokemon, he addressed them next. "Kiba, I'll need to you to sniff out the Pokemon that are being held below and lead me to them. At the same time, keep your ears open for any suspicious sounds. I don't know what kind of bombs Diam has set off, but if they're making some kind of noise, you might be able to find them. As for you, Flandre, I think it would be best for you to take a break. You're probably tuckered out from that battle, and I don't know if you'll be able to keep up with us right now. I promise I'll let you out to play once we get back to the beach, though."

Having received their orders, Kiba gave a bark of acknowledgment, while Flandre gave a slightly reluctant nod of her head before being recalled. As a last preparation, Katsu removed a stopwatch from a pocket of his backpack; one that was typically used for checking how Kiba's speed was improving with his training, and started it before he went sprinting off towards the entrance that led into the hold of the ship, his canine companion following close behind...

Firewater: With Martin currently disabled, and a pair of spider mechs scuttling your way with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, you opt Machop and Dart to battle them. As Dart whirls round to his foe, one of the mechs spits another string shot at the Staraptor, weighing down his wings somewhat as he drops to the ground, but finished charging his attack as a trio of beams blast from his open beak into the machine, the elemental affinity of electric causing the spider to short-circuit and explode in a small blast, rendering the string around Dart to fade into nothingness strangely. Back with Machop, his robot simply rushes him, one leg outstretched like a spear as the fighter dodges the lunge and smacks it in the face, breaking it like a brick as the robot simply smashes into several pieces, the string holding Martin fading as Spike comes down, slamming another two robots into the ground with both stingers, the Ninjask shaking itself off from the attack.

"Didn't expect that..." Martin groans before a soft beep gets your attention, the trapdoor's locking mechanism shutting off as he pulls on the plated door, the door hiding what seems to be a small control panel of some sort. Pressing a button on it, a screen inside suddenly comes to life, with a picture of a Voltorb, Magnemite, Electrike, Pikachu and Shinx depicted on the top, as well as five smaller symbols relating to said pokemon below. Examining the panel, you notice five buttons below said screen, with the pokemon noted on the screen in the same order. As you question the device, a spark on the screen lights up, before words form below each pokemon in turn. Reading each one aloud, Martin scratches his head.

"Voltorb says that Shinx follows him more than what's needed. Magnemite states it never listens to Voltorb's orders. Electrike says all other pokemon follow his orders. Pikachu states his orders aren't as important as Magnemite's, while Shinx implies that Pikachu's orders are the general basis of Voltorb's commands. From what it says here, we'll have to put them in order of highest rank of order. Personally, I'm stumped."

Examining the panels, you're not sure what would happen if you got them wrong, as it becomes clear that whoever Martin is dealing with has a penchant for technology and puzzles, but can you solve this one?

Everything had gone well, the robots all were smashed to bits, and everyone was freed from the constraints. Regardless, the trapdoor clicks, unlocked as David Michael and Martin stare at the new combination within. After a button was pressed, a small screen reappeared, with five electric types popping out of nowhere to show onto the screen, and a group of explanations appear, showing this to be some type of puzzle. As David Michael listens, Martin simply reads each clue allowed.

"Voltorb says that Shinx follows him more than what's needed. Magnemite states it never listens to Voltorb's orders. Electrike says all other pokemon follow his orders. Pikachu states his orders aren't as important as Magnemite's, while Shinx implies that Pikachu's orders are the general basis of Voltorb's commands. From what it says here, we'll have to put them in order of highest rank of order. Personally, I'm stumped."

a bit confused, David Michael sits down a bit before looking more at the panel, realizing that... if he was to get this clue wrong it would be very painful, and more than likely an electric shock would occur. Breathing deeply, he begins to click the buttons as he comments to Martin.

"I've think I've gotten this figured out Martin, but it may be up to you if I, for better or worse terms, **** this up."

Pressing the buttons, he continues his explanation.

"What I think occurs is that first, I'll press the Electrike button first, then the Magnemite button. However, while I think that Pikachu and Voltorb are equal, I can't figure out if the Shinx button is before or after those two.but what I think the order is, as I press them now, the Pikachu button, then Voltorb's button, then Shinx's button."

Stepping back from the platform, David Michael waits for the results...

Rakurai: Upon realising the plight, you opt to stick behind and risk your own life to aid in the release of the pokemon on board the ship, as well as trying to find and eliminate said bombs before the detonation. As the Elite Four member hears this, he nods before gazing towards the shrinking speck that is Diam and Salamence, before the Flygon gives a flap of its wings.

"Very well, I'll give pursuit to Diam and ensure he doesn't escape easily. How about you," turning to Andrew, who simply stands with the Ludicolo, both with a stiff gaze as the admiral gives an admirable grunt, the situation at hand resulting in Andrew sticking to the ship as well. With a roar, Flygon takes flight to the sound of "Godspeed!" from Drake, the trainer taking swift flight after the Mantine.

"Katsu, search the rear end of the ship, me and Mirror'll take care of the front end. If you see anything looking remotely like an explosive, alert me."

With that, the one armed ranger and pineapple dash down the deck into the cabins as you note the time at around nine minutes to detonation, Kiba making a sudden dart down into the hold as you follow. Sniffing the air, the Electrike makes headway down a corridor to what seems to be a smashed door, and as you peek inside you notice the Nidorino from earlier, pining as it paws painfully at a barrel of gunpowder. Glad you found the explosives, you prepare to call to Andrew until you notice the other three dozen barrels around it, as well as a pair trapping a panicking Nidorina. Oh, snap.

As the female whines from the weight, you realise that an electrical attack would only set the gunpowder alight immediately, instantly killing you, the nidos and Kiba, before sinking the vessel, and with both barrels looking rather heavy, a quick check of your stopwatch alerts you to the timer ticking at seven minutes and thirty seconds. As you step forward with Kiba, ready to try and rescue what seems to be Nidorino's partner, a deep growl emerges from behind you as you turn around to notice a rather irate lump of blue and white with very big fangs, the Walrein the likely source of Nidorino's pained expression as its empty-looking eyes appear similar to Hugh's, giving one simple reason why it's here, and with it prepared to die for its meaningless cause, and the volatility of gunpowder, you have a handful of trouble ahead of you, and only seven minutes to sort the danger out...

Blitz River: Falcon Bluff.

Firewater: Examining the puzzle at hand, you worry about the punishment for failure, fearing for your life at the electrical pokemon display as you input the buttons, hoping you got the order correct. After a few very tense seconds, the display lights up brightly as a sudden surge of electricity flows through a thin wire you didn't notice before into the dead tree, the wood lighting up as a doorway appears, the electrical drone of 'Code Accepted' filling your ears with hope as Martin gives you a hand out the tunnel. Entering the doorway, recalling your pokemon due to the cramped space within, the chamber within clearly designed for two or three people only, you notice a small button, and as you press it, a sudden jolt causes you to stumble, just before the floor starts sinking.

"Elevators...no wonder that Staraptor is never found if it uses an elevator system to bring its quarry for whatever reason," Martin begins as you turn to him, his demeanour that of an inspector rather than a hunter as he gives a sideways glance at you, and sighs.

"I had best tell you the whole story, David. Roughly two years ago, a disgraced scientist by the name of Frederick Bluheim was removed from the Laguna Research Facility in the city for his ridiculous and vicious experiments concerning pokemon and gene splicing, that is, the fusion of pokemon genes. He was thought to have left the region, but six weeks ago one of his experiments, one Staravia whose genes were spliced with a Machop giving it incredible strength, escaped from the labs, fleeing to this forest. Two weeks later, a trainer reported their Lairon missing after a large Staraptor dove down and snatched it away, heading towards this forest. As the trainer pursued, he was struck down by the bird, hospitalised."

"The week after, another trainer's pokemon, one Seviper, was also taken, and just a fortnigh ago, it attacked and pulled a Luxray from its owner. Said owner was of noble hierarchy, and instantly petitioned for the hunting of said Staraptor before it could cause any further harm. I, of course, decided to try and chase it down. From what my information tells me, it seems that Bluheim has went into hiding, possibly continuing his experiments in secret and using the Staraptor to pull in new victims."

Hearing this information, your eyes widen at the thought that the girl could very well be the next step in his twisted experiments, and as the elevator judders to a stop you head out the new opening, Martin following until you find yourself at a pair of doors in a larger circular chamber, one on the left and the other on the right, both as featureless as the other.

"We'll split up and find out what's in both rooms at once," Martin states as he pulls a ball out and releases a gutsy Electivire, the Thunderbolt Pokemon's grin slightly aggressive as it stares around the room and at the doors, the choice of doors seemingly yours to take.

Firewater: Examining the puzzle at hand, you worry about the punishment for failure, fearing for your life at the electrical pokemon display as you input the buttons, hoping you got the order correct. After a few very tense seconds, the display lights up brightly as a sudden surge of electricity flows through a thin wire you didn't notice before into the dead tree, the wood lighting up as a doorway appears, the electrical drone of 'Code Accepted' filling your ears with hope as Martin gives you a hand out the tunnel. Entering the doorway, recalling your pokemon due to the cramped space within, the chamber within clearly designed for two or three people only, you notice a small button, and as you press it, a sudden jolt causes you to stumble, just before the floor starts sinking.

"Elevators...no wonder that Staraptor is never found if it uses an elevator system to bring its quarry for whatever reason," Martin begins as you turn to him, his demeanour that of an inspector rather than a hunter as he gives a sideways glance at you, and sighs.

"I had best tell you the whole story, David. Roughly two years ago, a disgraced scientist by the name of Frederick Bluheim was removed from the Laguna Research Facility in the city for his ridiculous and vicious experiments concerning pokemon and gene splicing, that is, the fusion of pokemon genes. He was thought to have left the region, but six weeks ago one of his experiments, one Staravia whose genes were spliced with a Machop giving it incredible strength, escaped from the labs, fleeing to this forest. Two weeks later, a trainer reported their Lairon missing after a large Staraptor dove down and snatched it away, heading towards this forest. As the trainer pursued, he was struck down by the bird, hospitalised."

"The week after, another trainer's pokemon, one Seviper, was also taken, and just a fortnigh ago, it attacked and pulled a Luxray from its owner. Said owner was of noble hierarchy, and instantly petitioned for the hunting of said Staraptor before it could cause any further harm. I, of course, decided to try and chase it down. From what my information tells me, it seems that Bluheim has went into hiding, possibly continuing his experiments in secret and using the Staraptor to pull in new victims."

Hearing this information, your eyes widen at the thought that the girl could very well be the next step in his twisted experiments, and as the elevator judders to a stop you head out the new opening, Martin following until you find yourself at a pair of doors in a larger circular chamber, one on the left and the other on the right, both as featureless as the other.

"We'll split up and find out what's in both rooms at once," Martin states as he pulls a ball out and releases a gutsy Electivire, the Thunderbolt Pokemon's grin slightly aggressive as it stares around the room and at the doors, the choice of doors seemingly yours to take.

Well, after the code was pressed, and he wasn't shocked, David Michael could only grin as a small wire lights up, the words, "Code Accepted" ring through the clearing, and the fact was that a door opened up in a tree, Wincing at how small the door looked, Dart and Machop were returned as David Michael and Martin entered the structure. Seeing nothing but a button, David Michael stumbles a bit as the elevator begins to go downward...

"Elevators...no wonder that Staraptor is never found if it uses an elevator system to bring its quarry for whatever reason,"

While David Michael hadn't noticed much, he did have to admit that this was a pretty smart gig... save for the fact that Martin seemed to be a bit depressed, and hearing a sigh, David Michael turns to see what he had to say...

"I had best tell you the whole story, David. Roughly two years ago, a disgraced scientist by the name of Frederick Bluheim was removed from the Laguna Research Facility in the city for his ridiculous and vicious experiments concerning pokemon and gene splicing, that is, the fusion of pokemon genes. He was thought to have left the region, but six weeks ago one of his experiments, one Staravia whose genes were spliced with a Machop giving it incredible strength, escaped from the labs, fleeing to this forest. Two weeks later, a trainer reported their Lairon missing after a large Staraptor dove down and snatched it away, heading towards this forest. As the trainer pursued, he was struck down by the bird, hospitalised."

"The week after, another trainer's pokemon, one Seviper, was also taken, and just a fortnigh ago, it attacked and pulled a Luxray from its owner. Said owner was of noble hierarchy, and instantly petitioned for the hunting of said Staraptor before it could cause any further harm. I, of course, decided to try and chase it down. From what my information tells me, it seems that Bluheim has went into hiding, possibly continuing his experiments in secret and using the Staraptor to pull in new victims."

David Michael simply was shocked to say the least. The fact that some maniac knew how to do such experiments, as well as the ability to make a damn bird that could carry something so massive seemed to shock him to no end. But the fact of the matter was that thinking of these experiments, did unsettle him a bit as after-all, the bird had knocked the **** out himself and Machop with a single attack, and the bird's Intimidate even worked on himself. However the problem was the little girl, and if she potentially would be fated to be subject to something so horrible....

but a sudden "Thump"

knocks David Michael from his thoughts as the elevator stopped moving, and the two left the elevator. As they reach two separate, yet identical doors, David Michael simply was already moving towards the door to the left before Martin says something.

"We'll split up and find out what's in both rooms at once,"

"Sounds good, and watch out", David Michael calls out as he plucks a different pokeball from his belt. Noticing the Electvire that stood next to Martin, he decided that it would be best to have one of his stronger pokemon with him as well. Wanting to save Dart for later, the pokeball reveals a decently sized Torkoal, who seemed to grin at the time to strech its legs.

"Stay sharp Steam, and watch for anything crazy in this room while we check it out" David Michael remarks as the two slowly begin to move into the room...

Rakurai: Upon realising the plight, you opt to stick behind and risk your own life to aid in the release of the pokemon on board the ship, as well as trying to find and eliminate said bombs before the detonation. As the Elite Four member hears this, he nods before gazing towards the shrinking speck that is Diam and Salamence, before the Flygon gives a flap of its wings.

"Very well, I'll give pursuit to Diam and ensure he doesn't escape easily. How about you," turning to Andrew, who simply stands with the Ludicolo, both with a stiff gaze as the admiral gives an admirable grunt, the situation at hand resulting in Andrew sticking to the ship as well. With a roar, Flygon takes flight to the sound of "Godspeed!" from Drake, the trainer taking swift flight after the Mantine.

"Katsu, search the rear end of the ship, me and Mirror'll take care of the front end. If you see anything looking remotely like an explosive, alert me."

With that, the one armed ranger and pineapple dash down the deck into the cabins as you note the time at around nine minutes to detonation, Kiba making a sudden dart down into the hold as you follow. Sniffing the air, the Electrike makes headway down a corridor to what seems to be a smashed door, and as you peek inside you notice the Nidorino from earlier, pining as it paws painfully at a barrel of gunpowder. Glad you found the explosives, you prepare to call to Andrew until you notice the other three dozen barrels around it, as well as a pair trapping a panicking Nidorina. Oh, snap.

As the female whines from the weight, you realise that an electrical attack would only set the gunpowder alight immediately, instantly killing you, the nidos and Kiba, before sinking the vessel, and with both barrels looking rather heavy, a quick check of your stopwatch alerts you to the timer ticking at seven minutes and thirty seconds. As you step forward with Kiba, ready to try and rescue what seems to be Nidorino's partner, a deep growl emerges from behind you as you turn around to notice a rather irate lump of blue and white with very big fangs, the Walrein the likely source of Nidorino's pained expression as its empty-looking eyes appear similar to Hugh's, giving one simple reason why it's here, and with it prepared to die for its meaningless cause, and the volatility of gunpowder, you have a handful of trouble ahead of you, and only seven minutes to sort the danger out...

With Drake after Diam, and Andrew helping him in the search for the bombs, Katsu felt fairly confident that things were going to end on a positive note, and not with anyone getting blown to bits. It didn't take long for Kiba to catch a whiff of something, for he abruptly rushed down a corridor just moments after entering the hold of the ship, and into a room with a door that had been conspicuously smashed open. Following as fast as he could, Katsu was pleased to see that Kiba had found not just the Nidorino from earlier, but a barrel of gunpowder; no doubt the explosives Diam had been planning to do them in with.

After taking a look around the entire room, however, he realized there was far more gunpowder then he had initially seen, and on top of that, a Nidorina had been trapped under a pair of the barrelsr. "Thank goodness I didn't decide to bring Flandre in here...", he thought, perfectly aware of the fact that the Charmander probably would've ended up involuntarily detonating the explosives. He was also aware that Kiba was just as capable of setting off such a reaction, though it didn't worry him much, for the Electrike had control over the release of his elemental energy, unlike his fiery friend.

He was about to try calling Andrew to assist him with dealing with the bombs, when he heard a growl from behind him. Gulping as he turned around, he was met with the sight of a burly Walrein, whose eyes looked not unlike how Hugh's had earlier, making it clear to Katsu that it was being controlled. "Darn it! We don't have the time to be dealing with this thing...", he thought, quickly glancing at his stopwatch to see that seven minutes remained before the bombs went off. "But if Andrew were here, he could probably bring it to its senses, like he did with Hugh..."

Kiba was ready to fight, having placed himself between his trainer and the Walrein in an instant, but Katsu had something else in mind for him. "WAIT! If you release even a tiny bit of electricity here, you could set off the gunpowder!" he cautioned, Kiba's eyes widening with fear upon hearing his words. "It's too risky for you to fight here, so instead, I want you to go find Andrew, and lead him here immediately.", he continued, Kiba giving him a look of concern.

"Don't worry. I've got the others to protect me, remember? Now go! Use a Quick Attack to get past that Walrein!", he said in conclusion, as he reached to his belt and removed a Pokeball, this time, the one containing his Eevee, Orin. Upon being released, she glanced about curiously before noticing the Walrein, her plain expression changing to one of mild surprise as a result.

"No time to explain, Orin! I need you to distract that Walrein while I address some problems at hand. Make a Wish for your safety, put on some Charm. If that doesn't work, then try adding in some Fake Tears." he said before running over to the Nidorina, reasoning that if he could free her, she might be able to lend some assistance...

Rakurai: Noticing the Walrein and cautioning Kiba on the dangers of being spark-happy in a room such as this, you opt to get aid from Andre considering the thought that the Walrein was equally under control before releasing Orin, the Eevee quite surprised at the large fat walrus before it. As Kiba darts for the door, Walrein makes a lunge for him, hoping to gulp the Electrike down in one and missing spectacularly as the quick attack zips by him, Kiba turning round and smacking the beast in the chops before making a break down the hall as the Walrein growls in frustration. As Orin takes advantage of this fact, making a wish that she doesn't end up in the belly of the beast, you make your way over to the trapped Nidorina, hoping to free her from the powder barrel as you grip the barrel before trying to lift it, the strain as you realise that said barrel is quite heavy. Noticing you, Walrein gives a roar of disapproval before suddenly spitting a water gun towards you, Orin's squeak of horror as you get thoroughly drenched and bowled over the barrel entirely shocking you, just before you notice Nidorina's sudden wriggling as a whistle from Orin turns the Ice Break pokemon's attention to her, taking advantage of her cute features to try and charm the monster. Shaking yourself off, you can only watch in terror as Walrein stares at her for a few seconds before bellowing and crunching forward, grabbing Orin by the head as it attempt to snap her in two, the Eevee's legs wiggling in fear as you cry out for your pokemon, head stuck in the jaws of death...

...which is when a sudden double kick from the Nidorino causes Walrein to spit Orin straight out, the Eevee shivering and the tears dripping from her eyes looking more realistic than fake, as the Nidorino deftly evades the Walrein's ice ball, the missile flying into the barrel you're trying to move and knocking it over onto your leg! As you give a scream in pain as the heavy barrel traps your leg, crushing it under its weight, you can only watch as Nidorina gets free and shoots some poison stingers at the Walrein in anger, and as you watch in pain as the beast takes a sudden twinge of illness, your timer is ticking at five and a half minutes left, yet the Walrein is outnumbered three to one as you realise you might still have a fighting chance at turning the tables on this adversary.

Blitz River: The Hidden Laboratory.

firewater: As you opt to go for the door on the left, Martin gives a nod as him and Electivire makes for the other door.

"Careful in there, there's no clue what you'll find," he warns before making his way into the doorway with a push as you opt to continue in. Releasing Steam, the Torkoal gives a grin as you make your way slowly into the room. As you make a turn into a corner, you notice a large number of bookcases as well as a small computer on a desk. Approaching it, you examine it before turning to Steam, who seems to be looking up at the ceiling, and as you follow suit you notice that the ceiling seems to sport several spiky chandeliers for some odd reason. Upon further observation, you notice a series of pulleys on each chandelier, the objects in question seeming to be very heavy, and you dread to think what would happen if one landed on you, if they fell. Shaking the thought, you return to the terminal before noticing that the machine seems to resemble a games console with four buttong referencing the compass directions.

"Welcome to the Falcon Laboratories research and examination department. Please insert username and password into the boxes to proceed."

As you squint at the screen, you hear a slight banging sound from next door and question if Martin is okay, just before the robotic voice becomes quite impatient.

Without warning, Steam gives a cry of surprise as you turn to the door you came through to notice a large gate blocking the way as you realise you're trapped! Staring at the ceiling, you notice that it seems to be five metres high, with the chandeliers being at four and a half metres, until a sudden clanging sound causes them to drop towards you before stopping at the three and a half metre mark, the computer's voice reinitiating.

"Guest acknowledgement system activated. Please activate the five terminals on screen while evading the triggering of the hacker defense systems."

As you look with bewilderment, you notice a large grid with several arrows, as well as some nasty-looking drones moving around on screen. As you realise what is happening, you notice the chandeliers and no other way out but to comply with the game.

Rules.

~The following image is the map on-screen. Brown blocks indicate walls, white indicates pathways. The yellow blocks are the terminals you are to activate, while the dark grey block is your starting position. The light grey block is the finishing point, while the maroon blocks are the defense drones.
~Each defense drone will make a move forward every time you take a step, and upon reaching a corner will take a step to turn in the direction. To take a corner from one block away to one block away will take three steps, for example. The blue triangles indicates their vision, which is in a straight line. Their vision is limited to three blocks inf front of them
~The arrows indicate the patrol routes of the defense drones, and the map follows compass directions where the top of the map is north.
~When replying, state your moves from the first terminal in front of you to any of the other four terminals in compass steps, such as 3N, 4E, 2N, 6W, for example.
~If you are spotted, the chandeliers will drop another metre, and you can only afford to be spotted once, for twice is quite fatal. If spotted, you will appear back at the first terminal with all other terminals activated at that point. If you wish to wait, simply state 'Pause' in your reply and you will stay stationary while the drones take their step.

Laguna Estersands
The eastern shores of the peninsula, as well as the waters of it, are postcard-standard beauty, with their azure waters, silver sands and conceivable square inch of it in pristine beauty. As a result the Pokémon of the vicinity are equally tame and relaxed.

Sub-Areas
~Pirate's Cove
A sizable gulf set in some cliffs, with torrential waters at the entrance preventing proper investigation. So called for the fact that pirates frequented the cove for their plunder, the rapids have resulted in the area being less cordoned as a tourist spot. Though several people have managed to brave the waters, using their powerful Surfing Pokémon to break through, none have emerged from the hallowed cliffs, rumoured to contain vast swathes of booty.

The air was moist and salty, and the ground was cold and hard. Waking up in the secret base was something he needed to get accustomed to, if he ever wanted to call the cave home. Lay curled in a ball underneath his sleeping blanket was Seaside's local nuesance, a man named Flippy, and the morning air was tickling at his toes. Shuffling around under the blanket he struggled to find the button to light his watch. Quickly throwing the sack that restrained him so, he squinted from the sunlight streaming from the cave entrance as he slowly sat up in bed, glancing at his, which read eleven o’clock.

"... I really need to get this place in order," he groaned, emerging from his make shift place of residence. When the Diddler moved in, the base had already been slightly used by another trainer, but he managed to clean up some of what used to be a rave cave. Never the less, it was located on some prime property, near his newly found home of Seaside. Though his thoughts have been consumed of tales of riches and mystery that surrounds a certain place of the Peninsula known as Pirate's Cove. Such stories would likely bring all scum of seaside to its shores, but most don't posses a titanic creature like Tortuga, his busty Blastoise, who's massive build could possibly cut through the rapids like butter. Not wanting to make waste of what time was left, he rushed off towards the west, in search of promised riches and unknown trouble that most likely lingers.

firewater: As you opt to go for the door on the left, Martin gives a nod as him and Electivire makes for the other door.

"Careful in there, there's no clue what you'll find," he warns before making his way into the doorway with a push as you opt to continue in. Releasing Steam, the Torkoal gives a grin as you make your way slowly into the room. As you make a turn into a corner, you notice a large number of bookcases as well as a small computer on a desk. Approaching it, you examine it before turning to Steam, who seems to be looking up at the ceiling, and as you follow suit you notice that the ceiling seems to sport several spiky chandeliers for some odd reason. Upon further observation, you notice a series of pulleys on each chandelier, the objects in question seeming to be very heavy, and you dread to think what would happen if one landed on you, if they fell. Shaking the thought, you return to the terminal before noticing that the machine seems to resemble a games console with four buttong referencing the compass directions.

"Welcome to the Falcon Laboratories research and examination department. Please insert username and password into the boxes to proceed."

As you squint at the screen, you hear a slight banging sound from next door and question if Martin is okay, just before the robotic voice becomes quite impatient.

Without warning, Steam gives a cry of surprise as you turn to the door you came through to notice a large gate blocking the way as you realise you're trapped! Staring at the ceiling, you notice that it seems to be five metres high, with the chandeliers being at four and a half metres, until a sudden clanging sound causes them to drop towards you before stopping at the three and a half metre mark, the computer's voice reinitiating.

"Guest acknowledgement system activated. Please activate the five terminals on screen while evading the triggering of the hacker defense systems."

As you look with bewilderment, you notice a large grid with several arrows, as well as some nasty-looking drones moving around on screen. As you realise what is happening, you notice the chandeliers and no other way out but to comply with the game.

Rules.

~The following image is the map on-screen. Brown blocks indicate walls, white indicates pathways. The yellow blocks are the terminals you are to activate, while the dark grey block is your starting position. The light grey block is the finishing point, while the maroon blocks are the defense drones.~Each defense drone will make a move forward every time you take a step, and upon reaching a corner will take a step to turn in the direction. To take a corner from one block away to one block away will take three steps, for example. The blue triangles indicates their vision, which is in a straight line. Their vision is limited to three blocks inf front of them~The arrows indicate the patrol routes of the defense drones, and the map follows compass directions where the top of the map is north.~When replying, state your moves from the first terminal in front of you to any of the other four terminals in compass steps, such as 3N, 4E, 2N, 6W, for example.~If you are spotted, the chandeliers will drop another metre, and you can only afford to be spotted once, for twice is quite fatal. If spotted, you will appear back at the first terminal with all other terminals activated at that point. If you wish to wait, simply state 'Pause' in your reply and you will stay stationary while the drones take their step.

David Michael simply watches as Martin walks into the room to the right, only just hearing Martin's comment of

"Careful in there, there's no clue what you'll find,"

And that was the last David Michael had seen or heard from Martin for a while, as he walks into the next room. Looking at Steam's reaction, it was then that David Michael Noticed the sharp spikes on the chandeliers above them. The chandeliers were attatched to pullies, and the issue was the terminal, which once was looked at a bit more closely... began to speak

"Welcome to the Falcon Laboratories research and examination department. Please insert username and password into the boxes to proceed."

confused, David Michael continues to watch the screen, until banging is heard from the next room over. Startled by the banging, David Michael takes his eyes off of the screen, which then continues with an even less patient tone.

"Unauthorised usage will result in immediate termination. Initiating guest acknowledgement systems."
Suddenly, Steam shouts in alarm as the door appears to lock shut, and the chandeliers drop a quick meter closer to the ground. Realizing that the issue has appeared to get worse, David Michael turns to the screen, noticing a strange, computer game like image on the computer screen, as the computer drones again...

"Guest acknowledgement system activated. Please activate the five terminals on screen while evading the triggering of the hacker defense systems."

Realizing that the only way to stay alive is to play the game, David Michael looks closely at the game to make sure that he's got the rules correct, and then inputs his first commands into the game...

Rakurai: Noticing the Walrein and cautioning Kiba on the dangers of being spark-happy in a room such as this, you opt to get aid from Andre considering the thought that the Walrein was equally under control before releasing Orin, the Eevee quite surprised at the large fat walrus before it. As Kiba darts for the door, Walrein makes a lunge for him, hoping to gulp the Electrike down in one and missing spectacularly as the quick attack zips by him, Kiba turning round and smacking the beast in the chops before making a break down the hall as the Walrein growls in frustration. As Orin takes advantage of this fact, making a wish that she doesn't end up in the belly of the beast, you make your way over to the trapped Nidorina, hoping to free her from the powder barrel as you grip the barrel before trying to lift it, the strain as you realise that said barrel is quite heavy. Noticing you, Walrein gives a roar of disapproval before suddenly spitting a water gun towards you, Orin's squeak of horror as you get thoroughly drenched and bowled over the barrel entirely shocking you, just before you notice Nidorina's sudden wriggling as a whistle from Orin turns the Ice Break pokemon's attention to her, taking advantage of her cute features to try and charm the monster. Shaking yourself off, you can only watch in terror as Walrein stares at her for a few seconds before bellowing and crunching forward, grabbing Orin by the head as it attempt to snap her in two, the Eevee's legs wiggling in fear as you cry out for your pokemon, head stuck in the jaws of death...

...which is when a sudden double kick from the Nidorino causes Walrein to spit Orin straight out, the Eevee shivering and the tears dripping from her eyes looking more realistic than fake, as the Nidorino deftly evades the Walrein's ice ball, the missile flying into the barrel you're trying to move and knocking it over onto your leg! As you give a scream in pain as the heavy barrel traps your leg, crushing it under its weight, you can only watch as Nidorina gets free and shoots some poison stingers at the Walrein in anger, and as you watch in pain as the beast takes a sudden twinge of illness, your timer is ticking at five and a half minutes left, yet the Walrein is outnumbered three to one as you realise you might still have a fighting chance at turning the tables on this adversary.

Despite not looking particularly reassured by the fact that Orin was there to protect his trainer, Kiba had carried out his orders, having zipped past the Walrein after avoiding its attempt to stop him with almost comical ease.

From there, things didn't go quite as smoothly as Katsu had hoped they would, though. The Walrein noticed him trying to move one of the gunpowder kegs off of the Nidorina, and opted to blast him with a Water Gun, that while not very painful, still packed enough force to bowl him over. After having made her wish, Orin was quick to try and grab the aggressor's attention with a charming display of cuteness that probably would've left most Pokemon feeling very reluctant to strike, but not this one. The walrus responded by suddenly lunging out at her and clamping its jaws around her head in a Crunch attack, which made Katsu cry out in concern before beginning to silently curse his decisions.

"I'm such an idiot! I should have guessed that a move made to toy with one's emotions wouldn't work against a Pokemon under such a strong compulsion...", he thought, clutching his head with both hands out of stress. Thankfully, the Nidorino from before pulled himself together, and came to Orin's aid before any serious harm could be done, giving the Walrein a Double Kick that caused it to release the Eevee. However, the beast retaliated shortly after by launching an Ice Ball that ended up missing the intended target, only to collide with one of the kegs atop the Nidorina, knocking it off of her, but directly onto one of Katsu's legs.

The trainer couldn't help but scream in pain for a moment, but he caught himself, fearing that if Kiba heard him, he might come rushing back before he had found Andrew. He wasn't in a good predicament, but he felt grateful for the fact that the Nidorina was free now, for she had struck out at the Walrein with a flurry of Poison Stings, and looked ready to dish out some more punishment, along with her boyfriend. As for Orin, she had turned back to gaze at Katsu after shaking off some of her shock over what had happened to her. Her eyes were full of tears and concern, but she nonetheless seemed to be awaiting further instruction.

"You need help those two take that thing down!", Katsu exclaimed through his pain. "Give Nidorina a Helping Hand, then smack Walrein with a Shadow Ball, followed by a Tackle!"

The Eevee then gave a nod of her head in response before turning back to face her opponent, wearing a visible frown over how she'd been treated. Knowing that only five minutes remained before the bombs went off, Katsu struggled as hard as he could to get free. "Gunpowder won't simply explode on its own...", he pondered to himself. "There has to be a detonator in this room somewhere, and I'm going to find it! Just as soon as get this thing off my leg..."

Last edited by Rakurai; 26th October 2009 at 5:38 AM.
Reason: Noticed my Eevee didn't know an attack I had ordered her to do.

Rakurai: With pain running through your leg, you squirm in your attempts to remove the gunpowder barrel aiming to find the detonator amongst the barrels, while Orin and the nido deal with the Walrein. Realising that the situation has taken a turn for the better, Orin opts to set some energy aside to give Nidorina a bit of a helping hand, the Eevee giving a small clap as the Nidorino follows suit with his own support move as Nidorina suddenly leaps at the Walrein, furiously swiping at the beast as it bellows from the sudden power surge, before bringing its head back and butting the Nidorina square in the face, the surprising technique shocking the rhino into flinching before the Walrein gives a sneeze, its face turning purple as the poison starts to seep through its system. As you heave at the barrel, the pain coursing through your leg, you swear you can hear faint barking for a second before a terrible roar removes whatever bravado existed in the female Poison Pin pokemon, the Walrein's impressive voice making you scream as your ears get assaulted with a dose of tinnitus. Equally shocked, Orin cowers behind the more stoic Nidorino who charges with his horn out in a brave attack, ramming into the Walrein as it growls from the hit, giving Orin just the opportunity she needs as the Evolution pokemon creates a ball of energy larger than hersef before lobbing the shadowy missile into Walrein, the howl of pain emerging from the beast evidence that it felt it. In spite of this, however, Walrein shakes himself off before chomping at Orin once more, this time his mouth chilled as you notice ice on the fangs of the monster, the Eevee squealing as the bite becomes more of a fling as it tosses the fox like a rag doll, Orin smacking heavily into the wall. Suddenly, you give a hiss of agony as the hefty barrel is rolled off your leg, which feels completely numb from the pressure and as you slowly get up, you are quick to notice Nidorina bite Walrein's tail to grab attention. Unfortunately, the Walrein's aqua tail knocks her careening into the stack of barrels, knocking a few of them down as you suddenly dodge to the side, before the red beeping light on one barrel brings hope to you: The detonator!

Beside it, Nidorina lies, the impact with the barrel enough to push her over the edge as she trembles in pain, unable to battle, as you look back at Orin who has tackled her foe, nimbly evading the lumbering monster as Nidorino becomes angrier at his friend's treatment. With a quick check of your clock, you notice there's only three minutes until the bomb in front of you blows you to kingdom come, the time ticking away with Walrein's resistance as the laboured breathing gives signs that the beast is suffering from the poisons.

Blitz River: The Hidden Laboratory.

Firewater: Inputting your directions, you watch nervously as the figure heads over the first terminal, the yellow giving way to a cheery green as a light chime echoes throughout the room, before you notice the seeming agility of the access block as it moves round corners much more freely than the defense drones, before the screen stops once more, the orders completed. As you consider the new puzzle, a cry from nearby attains your attention as you turn towards Steam, who holds a strange book in his mouth, which you take. Opening it, you find what appears to be a journal entry, which you opt to read while pondering your next course of action with the puzzle.

"Day 429.

Prince has returned from his latest errand, pulling forth a magnificent specimen of a test subject. That Choice Band one has implanted into his talons has certainly played its role perfectly, this metallic subject weighing in at over two hundred pounds. Wonderful news, of course, for it means that there are only a few more loose ends for the Emperor to become one with the land, and for the fools elsewhere to suffer for their doubting my tests."

Looking at the Torkoal blankly, who shrugs, you query as to where it found the book before Steam lumbers over to a plinth that wasn't there when you entered. The sudden chime of the computer, however, gives you news that there is still work to do...preferably before the ceiling above smashes you into a pulp.

Pirate's Cove: Entrance.

SW: Crawling from your new abode, and knowing of treasures in a nearby cove, you pull out your trusty Blastoise Tortuga making a mental note to sort your base out once finished. The tortoise giving a grunt as you hop onto his back, you make your way into the waters, searching for the entrance to the cove. It isn't long before you find it, the waters indeed showing why this was a haven for pirates in the older days: Rotten lumps of wood litter the waters, rocks designed for pummeling them around the area like the teeth of a truly vicious creature and two lapping caves in front of you. One cave is located in the water, where the rapids oddly seem to simply trickle into the mouth, while the other seems to be the complete opposite, the rushing waters seeming to condemn anything in their path to a painful and aqueous grave. As you question which to take, a low moan exudes from the peaceful entry, the voice booming over the roar of the rapids much like a tortured soul, and terminating any possibility of a safe passage through either cave. You could turn back and seach for another way in, or you could venture into the deep, taking either the rapid and dangerous path, or the safer yet eerie path. Either way, it seems this adventure was just beginning.

Firewater: Inputting your directions, you watch nervously as the figure heads over the first terminal, the yellow giving way to a cheery green as a light chime echoes throughout the room, before you notice the seeming agility of the access block as it moves round corners much more freely than the defense drones, before the screen stops once more, the orders completed. As you consider the new puzzle, a cry from nearby attains your attention as you turn towards Steam, who holds a strange book in his mouth, which you take. Opening it, you find what appears to be a journal entry, which you opt to read while pondering your next course of action with the puzzle.

"Day 429.

Prince has returned from his latest errand, pulling forth a magnificent specimen of a test subject. That Choice Band one has implanted into his talons has certainly played its role perfectly, this metallic subject weighing in at over two hundred pounds. Wonderful news, of course, for it means that there are only a few more loose ends for the Emperor to become one with the land, and for the fools elsewhere to suffer for their doubting my tests."

Looking at the Torkoal blankly, who shrugs, you query as to where it found the book before Steam lumbers over to a plinth that wasn't there when you entered. The sudden chime of the computer, however, gives you news that there is still work to do...preferably before the ceiling above smashes you into a pulp.

David Michael relaxed for a bit after his latest moves, watching his character fly around the drones... Before Steam's shout of surprise calls him over. Walking over to the Torkoal, David Michael notices the strange book in its mouth. Picking the book from the mouth tenderly, David Michael quickly begins by reading the first page that showed up as he cracked the book open...

"Day 429.

Prince has returned from his latest errand, pulling forth a magnificent specimen of a test subject. That Choice Band one has implanted into his talons has certainly played its role perfectly, this metallic subject weighing in at over two hundred pounds. Wonderful news, of course, for it means that there are only a few more loose ends for the Emperor to become one with the land, and for the fools elsewhere to suffer for their doubting my tests."

Wondering where the book had come from, David Michael is surprised to see a small plinth nearby, that hadn't been around when he first went into the room. He wanted to look at it, but angry chimes from the machine demanded attention, and not wanting to die, David Michael pushes in more commands before he goes to inspect the book and it's hiding place even more...

Rakurai: With pain running through your leg, you squirm in your attempts to remove the gunpowder barrel aiming to find the detonator amongst the barrels, while Orin and the nido deal with the Walrein. Realising that the situation has taken a turn for the better, Orin opts to set some energy aside to give Nidorina a bit of a helping hand, the Eevee giving a small clap as the Nidorino follows suit with his own support move as Nidorina suddenly leaps at the Walrein, furiously swiping at the beast as it bellows from the sudden power surge, before bringing its head back and butting the Nidorina square in the face, the surprising technique shocking the rhino into flinching before the Walrein gives a sneeze, its face turning purple as the poison starts to seep through its system. As you heave at the barrel, the pain coursing through your leg, you swear you can hear faint barking for a second before a terrible roar removes whatever bravado existed in the female Poison Pin pokemon, the Walrein's impressive voice making you scream as your ears get assaulted with a dose of tinnitus. Equally shocked, Orin cowers behind the more stoic Nidorino who charges with his horn out in a brave attack, ramming into the Walrein as it growls from the hit, giving Orin just the opportunity she needs as the Evolution pokemon creates a ball of energy larger than hersef before lobbing the shadowy missile into Walrein, the howl of pain emerging from the beast evidence that it felt it. In spite of this, however, Walrein shakes himself off before chomping at Orin once more, this time his mouth chilled as you notice ice on the fangs of the monster, the Eevee squealing as the bite becomes more of a fling as it tosses the fox like a rag doll, Orin smacking heavily into the wall. Suddenly, you give a hiss of agony as the hefty barrel is rolled off your leg, which feels completely numb from the pressure and as you slowly get up, you are quick to notice Nidorina bite Walrein's tail to grab attention. Unfortunately, the Walrein's aqua tail knocks her careening into the stack of barrels, knocking a few of them down as you suddenly dodge to the side, before the red beeping light on one barrel brings hope to you: The detonator!

Beside it, Nidorina lies, the impact with the barrel enough to push her over the edge as she trembles in pain, unable to battle, as you look back at Orin who has tackled her foe, nimbly evading the lumbering monster as Nidorino becomes angrier at his friend's treatment. With a quick check of your clock, you notice there's only three minutes until the bomb in front of you blows you to kingdom come, the time ticking away with Walrein's resistance as the laboured breathing gives signs that the beast is suffering from the poisons.

Katsu felt hopeful as he watched Orin join the two Nidos in a collaborative attack against their foe, Nidorina opting to lash out at the Walrein with some Fury Swipes after receiving a Helping Hand from both of her comrades. However, some of that hope fled from him when he saw the Walrein strike back with a retaliatory Headbutt, seeming relatively unfazed by the previous attack. It was clear that even with the number advantage and the poison beginning to take effect, the beast wasn't going to go down easily.

"Is Kiba on his way back with Andrew?", he wondered, having heard what he thought to be the faint sound of barking a split second before a deafening roar from the Walrein made him cry out in pry. It also made him redouble his efforts in getting the barrel off his leg, for he wasn't too keen on the idea of becoming the victim of another indirect attack. As for Orin, she had gotten rather spooked by the noise, cowering behind the Nidorino until he decided to ram the Walrein with a Horn Attack. The Eevee capitalized on the situation by blasting her opponent with a Shadow Ball, only for the Walrein to shake it off and throw her into the wall of the room after catching her with its Ice Fang.

Katsu cringed at the sight, but at the same time, managed to finally succeed in getting the barrel off his leg, which was extremely numb, but thankfully not broken. "Alright... Now where could that detonator be?", he puzzled, beginning to glance about the room, but not seeing anything that seemed to resemble the object in question. What he did see was the Nidorina biting the Walrein's tail; a decision she probably came to regret, for she was soon sent flying into a stack of barrels by a mighty swing of the aforementioned appendage, unfortunately left unable to battle due to the excess pain. Katsu was quick to dive away from the point of impact, and when he looked back at one of the barrels that had been knocked around, he spotted a conspicuous red beeping light on it, which couldn't have been anything other then what he was looking for.

He also noticed that despite the hit she'd taken, Orin had bounced back and tackled the Walrein, proving herself to be a lot more tenacious then he would've guessed from her typically easygoing nature. With two threats that needed to be addressed, and only three minutes remaining according to his watch, the pressure was on. He hurriedly gave Orin further instructions before beginning to rush towards the detonator, intending to examine the device and hopefully determine whether or not it could be safely removed or disarmed, in the event Andrew didn't arrive in time to do so for him.

"Give Nidorino a Helping Hand! Then see if you can tire Walrein with a Yawn before firing another Shadow Ball!"

SW: Crawling from your new abode, and knowing of treasures in a nearby cove, you pull out your trusty Blastoise Tortuga making a mental note to sort your base out once finished. The tortoise giving a grunt as you hop onto his back, you make your way into the waters, searching for the entrance to the cove. It isn't long before you find it, the waters indeed showing why this was a haven for pirates in the older days: Rotten lumps of wood litter the waters, rocks designed for pummeling them around the area like the teeth of a truly vicious creature and two lapping caves in front of you. One cave is located in the water, where the rapids oddly seem to simply trickle into the mouth, while the other seems to be the complete opposite, the rushing waters seeming to condemn anything in their path to a painful and aqueous grave. As you question which to take, a low moan exudes from the peaceful entry, the voice booming over the roar of the rapids much like a tortured soul, and terminating any possibility of a safe passage through either cave. You could turn back and seach for another way in, or you could venture into the deep, taking either the rapid and dangerous path, or the safer yet eerie path. Either way, it seems this adventure was just beginning.

One path was blocked with raging rapids, while the other looked as though a bus full of nuns had crashed their bus and forever haunt the eery cove. Either way, one of these passages was going to lead him to sweet, sweet treasures. Scratching his head, the diddler didn't have the slightest clue on how to go about this dilemma they were in.

“This is quite the pickle. I wonder if your ICE BEAM would help freeze the water,” Pepper stated with a friendly smile, and Tortuga grunted in protest. Anything that required his tortoise to get psychically involved, he immediately complains. God forbid Tortuga should help out in anyway. "When something looks to good to be true it usually is,” he reminded, “But I'm sure once you've frozen what's left of the water, we'll be able to smash out way to the entrance. If you need an extra helping of frost, try using your BLIZZARD. If this works according to plan, an EARTHQUAKE will be great to finish."

He pressed the opening mechanism on the pokeball, releasing one of his favorite team members, Ganja the Bulbasaur. Pepper turned to him and patted his head, congratulating him again on his accomplishment. “You're quickly becoming a champion, so I'll need your assistance on this one.” he murmured warmly, and Ganja blushed with pleasure. “Shall we get to it then, Tortuga? Or am I going to have to get Kuchen out for you to deal with, while Ganja and I look for another passage. I suggest you cooperate?” Pepp then asked brightly of both his Pokémon, who responded together excitedly.

Arcanum: OOC:Gah, you’re right. Thankfully, I’ll remember in future. As for your item enquiry, if you still have them when the adventure ends, you’ll get to keep them, yes.

BIC: With the sudden appearance of the Zubat and Golbat and Quasar’s interference with them, you retreat a little as you recall your Pok&#233;mon, leaving Adam and Lucy out to fend them off. As the Trapinch starts focusing his energy, Lucy leers at one of the Zubat, which ignores it as you realise that Zubat don’t have eyes to be intimidated by visual moves with! Fortunately, the Zubat targeting her simply uses some supersonic waves to echolocate her as well as disorient her, while the one fighting Adam darts down and nips him with a leech life, draining a little health from him and getting in range for his quick attack as it barrels hastily into the bloodsucker. As you watch, Quasar startles all combatants with a mighty roar to disrupt the Golbat before launching a sudden charge beam into the winged jelly bean, making it squeak in shock as he uses spare electricity to improve his special offensive ability just as he grunts as the bat strikes him with a wing attack, the strike glancing off him weakly due to his intimidating stance.

As the Zubat are distracted, Lucy zaps her foe with a night shade from her eyes, the black thunderbolts delivering substantial damage to the bat as it darts in to astonish her, the sudden shock making her wince a bit as well as taking some damage just as Adam’s bat bites him in the head, making him squeal in some pain before shaking it off and biting back, his much larger and heavier jaws making the Zubat screech in major pain as he thrashes around a little before spitting it out, the Zubat stinging all over as it wonkily gets airborne. Noting the success, Lucy spews forth a firestream into her Zubat, the creature squeaking as the fiery bubbles blister on it but not leaving any lasting burns as it painfully flits beside the brethren and spreads their wings as they deliver dual wing attacks to your team, knocking them back. Quasar gives another grunt, this time from the Golbat’s poison fang before he sinks his teeth in a crunch and tears off part of the bat’s wing, a surprising lack of blood coming from the wound as he spits it out and growls at his foe before assessing your side.

“Good work so far, but it would be best to end this quickly, Arcanum, as our time is limited and there is still much to do.”

First of all, let me say it's a pleasure to be back after a long hiatus, thank you fishyfool for taking me back! Let me know if I can do better, it's been a while...

Arcanum's pok&#233;mon had gotten some distance from the two smaller bats and simultaneously their orders from Arcanum, so it was now their turn to act. Adam flipped around by parking his front legs and swinging his head around; with his head lowered and eyes smoldering, he Focused his Energy fiercely while the Zubat beat their wings hard to close the gap quickly. Lucy's Leer, aimed at the Zubat on the right, seemed effective at first, but the Supersonic screech that eminated from the Zubat she targeted wasn't caused by the Sableye's attack, but an attack directed back at her. Lucy spun around dizzily before refocusing on her enemy who was still coming in quickly. Arcanum smacked his fist in his other hand a moment later, complete with gritted teeth and a frustrated grunt, when he realized the Zubat was impervious to visual attacks... since Zubat can't see after all. The other Zubat was within range of Arcanum's Trapinch and bent down to take a small bite with Leech Life, absorbing a little energy as it passed over. The Trapinch winced a bit as it turned around, but it wasn't badly phased and Quickly caught up to the Zubat that bit it and Attacked the bat with all of it's weight before it managed to return to the air.

The Luxray let out an enormous Roar that got the attention of all three enemy pok&#233;mon, before launching an immense Charge Beam in to the stunned Golbat above him. The Golbat attempted to hit Quasar with a powerful Wing Attack, but the Golbat was still stunned and shocked and the only reaction was a grunt. Lucy took advantage of the distraction by launching jet black beams from her jewel eyes. Lucy's Night Shade badly damaged the enemy, but the wounded Zubat still managed to Astonish the Sableye just a moment later, which hurt Lucy as well as keeping her from moving for a second or two. The Zubat Adam had hit moments before had wheeled around and gotten within range to Bite the Trapinch. Adam belted out a cry before saying in scruffy English, "Bad move, bat," opening up his jaws wide and clamping down on the Zubat with causing it to let out an immense screech. When Adam let go of the bat, spitting forcefully as he does, his Zubat enemy was having quite a bit of trouble returning to normal flight and was obviously in a lot of pain. "Haha, gotcha bloodsucker," Adam said, very proud of his revenge for attacking them. Lucy let out a delightful "Sable" having seen how well her partner was doing, before bubbling at the mouth and releasing a Firestream, in to her Zubat, looking to match Adam's success. Hot bubbles popped painfully all over the Zubat, but it wasn't permanantly burned. It struggled to join its Zubat companion, and the two bats rushed Arcanum's pok&#233;mon with Wing Attacks, pushing them both back a few feet. Arcanum looked over to Quasar just in time to see him spitting out a chunk of Golbat wing after a huge Crunch. Arcanum winced himself at how much damage the Luxray was causing to his enemy while listening to what the Gleam Eyes pok&#233;mon was saying.

Arcanum knew time was precious, and as a result had taken care to be ready with new orders for his Trapinch and Sableye. "Adam, that seemed pretty effective before, let's try it again. This time, use Gust, trying to hit both bats if you can, followed by Quick Attack to close the gap, and then hold a Bite as long as you can. Lucy, try to fire a Firestream in to both bats with Adam's attack, then use Night Shade and get in close to Scratch it hard. Push it, we have to finish this battle quickly so we can move on!" Arcanum then turned to the Luxray and asked, "How're you doing Quasar? If you finish before us, can you lend us a hand? Otherwise we'll come and help you as soon as we finish!"

Firewater: Focusing on the puzzle and danger at hand, your mind nevertheless examines the screen as you input the commands, before returning to the book at matter. Upon further reading, you are somewhat disappointed to realise that the book’s remaining pages seem blank, before a dull creak from above causes your heart to miss a beat as the heavy chandeliers suddenly make a move, fortunately in the opposite direction than you would have thought as they rise back onto the ceiling. Looking back at the screen, you are pleased to see that there are five green terminals active and your activator at the opposite end of the maze, a job well done as the maze fades suddenly, the computer’s voice pinging into your head once more.

“Guest activation code affirmative. Access granted.”

Looking around the library once more, you are somewhat disheartened to notice any more plinths, yet Steam’s gaze at the screen diverts your attention to the three folders, each one as enigmatically titled as the first. Opening them in order, you read the information, which seems much like the book’s single entry in that it appears to be a blog of some kind.

“Day 381.

Those fools who would dare mock my genetic research! Why, when news of Project Mew came around to the press, they gobbled the information up like Gulpin to a garbage truck! No matter, for the process of Pok&#233;mon evolution has served me well, for Prince is no longer the mighty Staravia he once was. Now, this mighty avian shall give me what I need for my examinations, and then the world shall know my name.”

“Day 431.

The metallic Pok&#233;mon’s genes for carapace construction have been awakened. Under regular circumstances, this would only be activated on the natural instinct of the Lairon family’s utilisation of Iron Defense, whereby which the species forms a full iron carapace over their existing exoskeleton. This revelation means that the Emperor now has a ward against heavy physical attacks should a foe ever attempt to use any, and above all else, the main protoform engine has been completed. It is only a matter of time before the Emperor rises and claims his kingdom from the inferiors.”

Pondering the contents of the two previous folders, you find with surprise that the third folder was merely created ten minutes ago, and without hesitation open the contents, Steam letting off more smoke in excitement.

“Day 475.

Prince has obtained the final piece of the puzzle earlier, whereby pitiful resistance was offered by a mere human and his own maggots of servitude. Without further warning, unfortunately, a greater threat came around, but was eluded swiftly, Prince’s skill at evasion advanced with his own skillset. Now, with the possession of a human conscience, the Emperor’s birth is nigh! The Protoform Engine shall have its first test, the creation of the Emperor. Eye of the hawk, armour of the tyrant, ferocity of the serpent and pride of the wolf, combined with the innocent mind of a human...the Emperor’s reign will begin with the elimination of those who would dare laugh at my ideals!”

With the closing of the last folder, the computer suddenly shuts itself down before you can do anything, and as you hear a very loud crash from behind you, Steam gives a cry of horror as the chandeliers from the back of the room start falling to the ground in waves, the ground itself splintering and breaking upon impact! Without warning, however, a bookcase on a wall sinks to the ground revealing a passage way that you and Steam make a dash for narrowly avoiding certain death as the chandeliers turn the library into a mess any librarian would have a fit over. Pausing for breath, you follow the path before you to find yourself at a large room, akin to the one you split with Martin, before noticing the other door open and the bounty hunter to head through, his Electivire sporting a few bruises as it hauls an unconscious Metang through the door.

“I take that you had an equally life-threatening situation before you, David?” he quizzes you, before awaiting a reply. From what the computer’s data banks had before it was destroyed, you are in possession of a wealth of knowledge, and much of it needs discussion with the hunter before you.

-=-=-

Ampere Beach: The Ruby Chatot.

Rakurai: With time ticking away and a detonator located with a rather angry Walrein in the path, you set to work hoping for aid to arrive soon while Orin fended off the larger opponent with the Nidorino. As the Eevee gave another helping hand with Nidorino’s assault, Walrein takes a very deep breath in anticipation of another terrible bellow only for the Nidorino to charge forward, feeling energised and seeking revenge on its foe by bulldozing into its larger foe’s gut with a megahorn, the move proving to be heavier than the Walrein thought as it howls and is bowled over, a slight stench permeating the air as the unfortunate news that it has thrown up almost making you wish you could do the same as you hold back the urge before looking at the detonator. Upon further investigation, the device seems to be a lump of plastic explosive moulded onto the barrel, eliminating any chance of anyone disarming it to your dread, just before a loud yawn emanates from Orin, the bubble popping on the tusked beast suddenly making it a little drowsy, while Nidorino leaps up and jabs the foe with a horn attack, before trembling as you realise that the Megahorn must have been called upon out of anger and other emotions, boosted by the seeming rivalry the nido has with Walrein, exhausting it and leaving him completely open to the counterattack of the larger walrus, the beast blasting him with a close-range ice beam through the wall, the attack striking the poor Pok&#233;mon down, but mercifully not through the ship to the ravenous waters below.

Suddenly afraid of being on her lonesome, Orin tries her hardest to intimidate the enraged foe, the monstrosity merely looking bemused as she takes on the remainder of her spectral energy into a shadow ball, the Walrein prepared as it braces for impact as the orb flies into it. The resulting explosion and subsequent phantasmic vapours makes it hard to notice what’s going on as you try and move the detonator barrel from the others in the hope that the other barrels would merely be offset by the blast and only cause heavy damage to the ship rather than sinking it, but as the darkness vanishes, Orin gives a gasp of shock as the Walrein still stands, beaten and looking ill, but still standing, a fact that is only proven as it takes on a terrifying stance before leaping at the Eevee with incredible power, preparing to body slam her straight through the floor as Orin stands rooted to the spot in petrification at the impending doom, as you can only hold your hand out, tears welling as you realise that with only thirty seconds left until the explosion, you will be dying alone...

“CHOOOOOOOOOOOKE!”

The sound of a voice, followed by the resounding crack of a protective barrier as Hugh miraculously blocks the surprised Walrein’s assault, followed by the sound of footsteps comes as music to your ears as Orin peeps open her eyes to the sight of the Machoke slamming the Walrein into the ground in a show of submission, the idle twitch of the beast showing that it won’t be rising again before you. With the detonator barrel at a mere ten seconds, however, you realise gravely that your plight to save the Pok&#233;mon aboard the ship was in vain, just as Andrew and Mirror, along with Kiba to your slight relief notice the fallen foe, as you look at your watch, remorse at your futile efforts as you watch the timer tick from five, down to four...

“Hugh? Wh-what’s up?” Andrew stutters as the Machoke pushes you aside with a cheery grin, the beep of the timer at three seconds to live much like the sound of Diam’s cocky laughter, before you watch the Machoke heft the barrel, time seeming to slow down before your eyes as the deathly two second bleep and the dash of Kiba and Orin to your side causes you to hug the two, tears streaming as you realise that your life was about to end in a ball of flame, the watch giving a second left to live as you become aware of the Machoke charging with impressive speed towards a window, as you realise what he is doing, the window smashing as Hugh dives through it, and the massive splash of the bomb detonating in the waters below causing the ship to take a sudden lurch from the blast, and nothing else as time resumes with the feeling of a heavy weight striking your head as all goes black.

-=-=-=-

“Ka...u...Kat...p...Katsu...”

An unfamiliar voice to your head rouses you from your slumber at the same time as the splitting headache causes you to cringe from the pain as your mind heads into overdrive at considering the previous events. Giant Pok&#233;mon, pirates and explosives...and the empty feeling you experience as you realise what sacrifice Hugh had made. Looking around, you find yourself lying on a bed, a mysterious figure wearing bright clothing and with a small afro looking down at you, before you note your position in a room, the slight sound of furious squawks from outside prompting you to rise and look out the window to the sight of a bearded fellow in handcuffs being shoved into a car and a pernicious parrot delivering nautical sailor talk at a familiar blue dragon as it chortles at Diam in a metal cage, the sight of it just desserts for the pirate.

“Ah, you shouldn’t worry too much, Katsu, Andrew told me all that happened. You were quite the resourceful fellow, he told me, as were your Pok&#233;mon. Before you ask, they’re safe and sound: The barrel of gunpowder landed on you rather than them, and they were able to escape harm. From what we know, your Eevee held its own against a foe far stronger than herself, and it seems to have shown well, as she seems to have gained a level for her part. However, the true hero in this whole ordeal would have to be you. Had you not been there, and had you accepted the offer of a lift off the Ruby Chatot, hundreds of wild Pok&#233;mon would have surely lost their lives.”

“Crawford!”

As you turn towards the door, feeling warm inside for knowing your actions have been rewarding in the honour sense, you notice Andrew enter, alongside a familiar Electrike holding Orin’s ball in his mouth before hopping onto your lap in an affectionate nuzzle as you embrace your starter. Giving your leg a shake, you find that, although still numb, you are still able to walk on it, a good sign of no lasting damage.

“Andrew, that false call was traced towards an abandoned shack, whereby a few of our other rangers found a transmitter, as well as a member of Diam’s crew. The fact you stood up against fully-fledged pirates in spite of hardship alone is an act of selfless bravado, and while under regular circumstances rangers from Almia aren’t allowed to promote others in outside regions, I will take some flak for...”

“There’s no need for that, Crawford. I’ve been a ranger and a coastguard for years, and I feel that the events of today have shown me enough. I’m retiring from the union, to ensure that these grounds here become a protected area for Pok&#233;mon who have been found alone. After what’s happened with Goose and Hugh, I don’t think I can bear to lose my starter, and I’m adamant in my decision, and hope you respect it.”

“...for all you’ve done, Andrew, thank you. I’ll let HQ know of your retirement, and will make sure that rangers know your plans for this area.” Giving a nod, Crawford leaves the room while you get your bearings, petting Kiba while remembering the adventure that you’ve had, in spite of the headache.

-=-=-=-

A couple of hours later, you find yourself on a beachside bench with a cone, Kiba having his own ice cream treat with Andrew, as you watch the sunset on the horizon.

“...this has been the eventful day, Katsu. I’ve learned a lot from this day, and as you can imagine, I’m changed,” the ranger muses as he looks to the waters. “You weren’t awake after the bomb went off, but what Hugh did under his own command...it was an act of selflessness beyond imagination. Before, I took some pride in my job as a ranger. Now, I know that this world is a dangerous place, with dangerous people who will do anything they can to eliminate snoops in their midst. I managed to get the Chatot under my control, and piloted the ship into safer waters, whereby the authorities took things under their command. They aided in the landing of the captive Pok&#233;mon, as well as hauling the booty from Diam’s stash, for use as evidence against him in a trial. I’d have imagined Hugh knew subconsciously what he had done under Diam’s hypnotics, and he had guilt over Goose. I’d think he wished to end his life, yet at the same time atone for his sins...”

With a moment’s silence, you notice a slight blip in the water, as though merely a Pok&#233;mon peeking through the sea towards shore, but as you focus you can see what appears to be two figures, one seemingly supporting the other and both surprisingly large. Rising from the bench, you and Andrew head to the sands before a hiss from one of the creatures slowly brings a spark of implausible thought into your head. Surely enough, however, a somehow familiar tentacle lunges from the water slamming onto the beach, followed by another, but it isn’t the oversized Octillery that has you amazed, but rather the panting and pained, yet somehow still alive Gyarados held above the waves, the snapped harpoon and broken jaw crippling it, yet as you stare in disbelief, knowing what sort of damage Hugh inflicted should have been fatal, and yet here Goose was, alive, if not kicking in the metaphorical sense.

“How...” Andrew starts, completely overwhelmed with emotion as the Gyarados shuffles off the Octillery and towards Andrew in a show of reunion that tugs your heartstrings, when the Octillery reveals a tentacle to you, sporting what seems to be a casket load of berries, the ingenius octopus’ pseudo-medical skills coming in handy against all odds. However, it is only then you notice the objects in the tentacle, dropping to the ground as the fish releases its grip on them: A small nugget of gold, a wooden box housing a TM Aqua Tail, and another, unusual object, what seems to be a frayed ribbon that somehow makes you feel empowered oddly.

“Th...that’s an expert belt...” Andrew croaks, his arm in his pocket as he procures a Pok&#233; Ball from it, “if I remember correctly, it gives a power boost to moves which are advantageous against their strengths. I’ll be okay...just a little emotional right now...”

Without a moment’s notice, Goose touches the capture mechanism of the ball, being drawn inside it as Andrew clutches the sphere, the glow dissipating as fast as it appeared, the chain of friendship between man and Pok&#233;mon forged tighter as you look towards the sunset, wondering where your next adventure will take you, Kiba wagging his tail in excitement.

Upon replying to this post, you are free to pick up a Nugget, TM Aqua Tail and an Expert Belt, which will increase the damage done by super effective moves by about 20&#37;. It’s been grand having you on board, and you’re welcome to move on or stay and head to another area, if you wish.

-=-=-

Pirate's Cove: Entrance.

Silver Wind: Your examination of the waters before you, you opt for a more offensive approach through the waters, deciding to try and tame the rapids firstly. Releasing Ganja, the Bulbasaur hops onto a comfy position while Tortuga grunts in protest, but the mere mention of the name Kuchen sends a shiver down the Blastoise’s spine, one you feel as your ride trembles. Waiting for the opportune moment, Tortuga’s cannons take on a frosty hue as they release a twin burst of ice beams towards the rapid waters, the frigid lightning causing much of the water to cake over in ice, while the more serene waters seemed to become a little more turbulent. Unimpressed with the status of the original rapids, the ice offering to shatter, Tortuga inhales before blasting the area with a terrifying blizzard, Ganja hopping back from the front of the turtle in fear of the cold before the waters suddenly become akin to an icy wall, the creaking of the weight and pressure, threatening the ice. However, you find that the rapids seem to have ceased, frozen over, to which end Tortuga follows your remaining orders, before stopping. Yes, you had ordered an earthquake to break the ice on this display of brutality on the innocent rapids, but without earth to quake, there wasn’t much option available. However, in an improvisation, the Blastoise slams his front arms together to create a seismic wave through the water, the water itself taking a turbulent ripple before a loud crack from around you suddenly turns the situation into a right pickle as you realise what was above you in the odd overhand you never noticed before: Stalactites, several of them hurtling towards ground zero. With sudden strength and desperation not to become the meal of the day at Iron Chef, Tortuga bulldozes through the shattering ice and into the rapids cave, you and Ganja holding on for dear life as you are swept through the cave mouth just as the stalactites block whatever entrance you possessed beforehand, leaving you stuck in the cave, to which the Blastoise merely shrugs with an idle grunt that seems akin to a laugh.

As you look around, you notice that the cave you’re in seems to lead further downstream, and as you follow, you soon find yourself in a tunnel, with a rocky shoreline before you, but the true eye candy is in the form of a large pile of what seems to be unmistakably coins, deposited on an upper plateau! As you land onto terra firma, you and Ganja exchange grins before sauntering towards your loot, before suddenly stopping due to an obstruction in the form of a few skeletons. Unlike the average skeletons, however, these ones seem to be walking and chattering, and as you stare at the motley skull crew, you realise that not only is there a lack of psychic power around the bones, they also seem to be collecting from your spotted cash pile.

“Well, well, well. What do we have ‘ere? Some laddie and his buddies, it seems!”

As you turn to the source of the voice, you and your Pok&#233;mon find yourselves at the end of no more than fifty different swords, some cutlasses, some rapiers, a few scimitars and even a butter knife, of all things, with one hundred and two empty eye sockets fixated on you, the last two belonging to a regally dressed skeleton sitting on a rocky outcrop, its eternal grin discomforting as is its seeming disregard for allied safety.

“I’d run ye through, but I’d rather hear your side of your story as to why ye’re here, and who ye are.”

With the prospect of being shish evident, it seems best to comply with the bone man’s orders...

-=-=-

Ampere Beach: Unknown Area.

Arcanum: As the battle raged on, you note that time wasn’t on your side and resolve to try and end the conflict before you ended up more than just dead, realising the irony of the thought. Without much delay, Adam glares towards his foe before shaking his head in an erratic fashion, the lack of wings making an effective gust difficult, but in the end a large head is all the aid he needs as he causes a small whirlwind that flits towards his foe, the Zubat squeaking in surprise as the winds whipped around it, the other Zubat unfortunately evading the attack by diving for Lucy, giving it no chance of evading the firestream the Sableye spews forth once more, the pyroclastic bubbles scorching the bat Pok&#233;mon and as you watch with some horror, burning one of the Zubat’s tails clean off, the limb in question suddenly corroding and disintegrating upon contact with the ground. While successful, the retaliatory leech life hits a nerve on the gremlin, Lucy shrieking as the bat flew back after the vampiric attack. Pondering the state of the tail, your query is answered just as quickly by Quasar as he dives underneath the Golbat, releasing a sudden flash that dazzles the larger bat.

“As stated before, everything here is dead, hanging onto their souls by a thread. These bats are the unfortunate wraiths of Pok&#233;mon killed by darker means, their souls removed, essentially zombies, if you will. Upon the defeat, the dark energies keeping the bodies whole fades, causing them to crumble.”

As the revelation of battling undead comes around, you become a little more concerned for your team, but what worried you possess are soon removed as Adam’s Zubat regains its bearings, skin chipped off by the windy attack, only to nimbly take to the skies as Adam’s quick attack misses narrowly, the Trapinch cursing his luck as the bat dives for another wing attack at his vulnerable behind, while Lucy wreaks vengeance against her foe with another night shade, the energy strike slamming her bat back as it twirled idly through the cave, regaining composure for another supersonic, this time aimed not for her, but the roof, and as you watch with surprise, a few rocks fall from the echo and bombard the gremlin, in a dirty tactic that has the Luxray growling at before he gives a grunt of pain as the Golbat releases air cutter at him, the razor sharp wisps of wind slicing into him but giving him the opportunity to leap up with fangs bared and chilled, the power of ice striking the aerial bat in the leg, ripping it off with a screech from the foe, Quasar spitting the limb out as it crumbled upon contact. With the opportunity around, Zubat dives for Adam once more, attempting to astonish him, but as the large jaws slam down in a brutal bite, the bat realises he’s dealing with one tough customer, especially once Adam holds the bat hard and shakes it about, ripping it in half much to his shock, the lower half in his mouth losing integrity and giving him a bad taste as he spits around, his foe merely the annoying flappy half and having difficulty keeping airborne. Noticing the success, Lucy looks up to her foe, cruising for a bruising as it chuckles at her position before it’s squeaks become rather concerned. Hadn’t its prey been on the ground the last time it heard? Without warning, and using her species ability to scale vertical surfaces, Lucy leaps from the wall as you watch in fear for her safety before scratching on the Zubat’s wing membrane, tearing the flight system to pieces as she lands nimbly, the Zubat clumsily flittering down and landing in a heap, very angry at the trickery. As you turn your attention towards Quasar, the Luxray takes a great leap towards his foe, whose eyes gleam with malice, and as the Luxray lands face-first, the confuse ray effect has left your guide in a neural fustercluck, his foe showing signs of injury as do your own Pok&#233;mon, yet the battle seems in your favour. However, now was not the time to falter as you remember you’re on a schedule.

Southern Plains
The southern regions of Laguna Peninsula are known to be beautiful grassland, with rolling hills and grazing Mareep by the thousand, as well as vast forests protected by the Laguna Peninsula Conservation Society. While the prominent Seaside City stands near the delta, the increased pollution has concerned the wildlife, prompting higher hostility to trainers and picnickers alike.

Sub-Areas

~Spacial Hill
An unusual hill with a statue of the Spacial Pokémon Palkia atop, forming a natural sundial on the waters that run round it below. According to legend, tribes of old would offer gifts to the statue at night, before returning the next day to find the gifts missing, even the human ones. While unusual, there have been studies that strange things happen at midnight atop the hill, though none have ever been found to report the strange goings-on.

OOC: Hopefully you still have room for one more person. If not, just let me know and we'll disregard this post.

Stark stood at the base of the an odd hill looking up. He had heard about the statue at it's peak and given his interest in seeing the uncommon had made his way to Laguna Peninsula just for a look at the wonder. Legends had abounded about the history behind the statue, but really, none of them had ever been proven one way or another. Human sacrifice, gifts of appeasement. These things were outdated myths of a time when superstition and discovery gripped the land. The stories were just as much an attempt to add flavor to the history as they were grounded in truth. However, that wasn't what brought him there. As far as the trainer was concerned it was just amazing to see such a feat of engineering from the past. Like the many pyramids and temples that dotted the land of Fizzy Bubbles, the statues were just as amazing. Maybe more so given the artistic detail given them.

Stark looked down to his side to see Riolu staring up wide-eyed at the icon gracing the summit. The young canine's sense of wonder bringing a smile to trainer's face and instilling a little of that same wonder in him.

"Wanna get a closer look?" Stark asked his companion with the same smile still running across his face only to see Riolu nod his head up and down vigorously, "Alright then let's head on up and see what we can see."

The pair began their ascent of the hill letting the fact that they were outdoors comfort them. No longer were they confined traveling by boat or train or aircraft. Now they had only their two feet and the fresh open air surrounding them. It was freeing. Stark looked out over the area letting his head turn slowly to take in the feeling of infinite possibilities open to him. No doubt they would find themselves on another adventure one of these days, but for now, it was nice to just take in the sights and enjoy life.

Stark: Embracing the outdoors as much as Riolu, the two of you gaze up at the crest of the hill before you, the statue atop casting an impressive sight as you smile towards the Emanation pokemon, the two of you making a brisk jog towards the statue. After a couple of minutes you find a path at the foot of the hill, which upon a second observation is much taller than first anticipated, reaching a couple hundred metres into the sky and with the natural agility known for their species, Riolu starts to dash up the path with you following behind. Roughly halfway up, the jackal stops at a small stone plaque inscribed with odd symbols, squinting at the shapes as do you, trying to make out what the weathered scripture says. After a minute of fruitless study, you opt to merely continue up the hill.

After ten minutes of climbing, you reach the crest at last, panting at the climb which was harder than you would have thought. Taking a minute for a breather, you head for the statue while admiring the impressive view, the Surge Dam standing strong against the tides while to the west lay a darker wasteland, the frequent lashings of silvery lightning wracking the ground giving you thoughts as to life on the Thunder Plains, while further to the east, Seaside City offers a great contrast, the city itself appearing to be at peace. A tap behind you from Riolu, however, diverts your attention to the reason you came here: The statue of Palkia, the Spacial Pokemon, standing strong against the tides of time and space, the construction itself giving an intimidating aura around it as you feel rather insignificant compared to the work put into it by unknown peoples, the very ground itself seeming to moan from the support it holds for this magnificent ornament.

"...Ouuu...Ouuuuugh..."

Your heart suddenly starts racing as your ears pick up the definitive sound of something in pain nearby, but looking around you quickly you fail to notice anything out of the ordinary. Taking a tentative look down the hill in case someone fell down the landmark, you become more concerned upon noticing nothing, save for a few Pidgey pecking around the grasses for bugs. The voice moans once more as you realise that it seems to have came from behind the statue, and as you and Riolu run round you find yourselves looking at what seems to be a large armoured beast, its steel plates cracked and stony body equally fractured, and as it looks up at you fro the ground, both of you are as surprised to hear the injured Aggron take a sudden backpedal a few feet before stopping in pain. What startles you the most, however, is what comes out the mouth of the Iron Armour pokemon.